SATURDAY 29TH APRIL 2023

Zenith Bank Delivers Strong Q1 2023 Results with Exceptional 41% Gross Earnings’ Growth

March 2023, with an exceptional double-digit growth of 41 per cent in gross earnings, increasing from N191.5 billion in Q1 2022, to N270 billion in Q1 2023.

The unaudited statement of account submitted to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) yesterday, indicated that the significant double-digit growth

in the topline also boosted the bottom line, with the Group experiencing an impressive 27 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in Profit Before Tax

(PBT), which rose from N68 billion in Q1 2022, to N86.6 billion in Q1 2023. It also showed that Zenith Bank's Profit After Tax (PAT)

grew by 13 per cent, from N58.2 billion to N66 billion during the same period.

Continued on page 10

Adamu Summons APC NWC Meeting to Douse Infighting...

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Zainab Ahmed: FG Will Still Remove Subsidy

Says June commencement date sacrosanct Insists the only amendment is enlargement of subsidy removal committee

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

subsidy removal committee to include teams from the incoming administration and the state governors.

The minister had last Thursday, shortly after the valedictory meeting of the National Economic Council, presided over by Vice President

Continued on page 10

FG Deploys NAF C-130H to Evacuate Nigerians in Sudan...Page

Buhari, Osinbajo, Macron, Others Celebrate Mike Adenuga Jnr at 70

Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has rejoiced with consummate businessman and philanthropist, Dr Mike Adenuga, Jnr, as he celebrates his 70th birthday on April 29, 2023.

Congratulatory messages were also sent to Adenuga by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President of France, Emmanuel Macron; former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama; former President of Benin Republic, Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi; President of African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and the vice President of Liberia, Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor.

President Buhari, in a statement celebrated the entrepreneur, “whose charity and goodwill continue to inspire, attracting local and global recognitions, including

three national honours, OON, CON and GCON.”

Buhari affirmed the impact of Adenuga’s visionary leadership on Nigeria’s economy, setting the pace for investments in oil and gas, telecoms, real estate, banking, construction and hospitality, with remarkable presence in supporting entertainment, sports and African culture, within and outside the country.

The President extolled the philanthropist for his courage, humility and dedication to nation-building, always placing the interest of the nation first, and welfare of the people, by ensuring that all his ventures and investments uphold human values of empathy, appreciation, trust and respect.

The President believed the numerous national and global awards are well deserved, including the highest individual honour for a private citizen in

Nigeria, GCON, and many others of high note like “The Companion of the Star of Ghana’’ from Ghana and “Commander of the Legion of Honour’’ by French President, Emmanuel Macron.

President Buhari prayed that Adenuga, who is Otunba Apesin of Ijebu-land, will grow in health, strength, and continual sound mind.

Vice President Osinbajo’s message reads: “Our dear Egbon, Dolapo and I join family, friends and associates all over the world in rejoicing with you on your 70th birthday.”

He said for decades, Adenuga “has made, and continue to make sterling contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, building indigenous brands across business sectors into international icons.”

The vice president described Adenuga as “a true national asset,” stating that his “patriotism and

personal commitment to Nigeria’s development is a beacon of light and an inspiration to many, especially young people at home and on the continent.”

President Macron’s message reads: “Dear Chairman, I wish to express to you my heartfelt congratulation for your 70th birthday on 29 April 2023.”

Macron acknowledged Adenuga’s “tremendous contribution to the strengthening of the relationship between Nigeria and France on many aspects,” adding that he is aware that France holds a special place in his heart.

“You are humble enough to often publicly declare that the confidence of several French companies at the beginning of your entrepreneurial adventure was instrumental to building the success that is yours today.

“Above all, I see in your remarks and in the success of your activities

Adamu Summons APC NWC Meeting to Douse Infighting

Party says zoning for 10th Assembly leadership positions yet to be decided

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu has summoned a meeting of the National Working Committee (NWC) for next week Wednesday.

Also, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka in a statement issued yesterday said the APC had not zoned the leadership positions for the 10th National Assembly and that any statement to the contrary did not emanate from the party.

Morka said any decision made in that regard would be made public.

Recall that the APC National Vice Chairman, North-west, Dr. Salihu Lukman had on Thursday

dragged the Adamu-led before an Abuja High Court over his refusal to convene the National Executive Committee (NEC), NWC and National caucus meetings of the party.

The notice of the meeting to all the 24-member NWC sighted by THISDAY was issued by the National Secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

"Distinguished NWC members, HE, the National Chairman has called the regular NWC meeting for Wednesday, 3rd May 2023. This notice is given early enough to allow our esteemed members to attend. Thanks for your attention. Good afternoon everyone. Time of the meeting 12: noon prompt," the notice read.

It was however observed that the agenda of the meeting was

not stated in the notice of the meeting, but a reliable source revealed that the agenda of the meeting would be forwarded to all the NWC members before Monday.

According to the source, "Wednesday's meeting will also afford the NWC to mend the rough edges among themselves, especially as it regards the two letters by Mal. Salihu Lukman and the legal action he instituted against the National Chairman and National Secretary. It is going to be a loaded meeting where far-reaching decisions will be taken ahead of the NEC meeting and the May 29 inauguration of President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima."

ZAINAB AHMED: FG WILL STILL REMOVE SUBSIDY

Yemi Osinbajo, announced that the NEC had recommended that petrol subsidy removal should be shelved until all preparatory plans with various segment of government, including states and the incoming administration were concluded.

But a statement issued yesterday by her Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, denied Ahmed’s reported proclamation and announced a clarification.

He said the clarification became imperative following reports that the government had suspended the planned removal of subsidy.

The minister's aide said, "Against the backdrop of the story in some media that the federal government has suspended the removal of petrol subsidy, the government has not suspended the removal, but has rather expanded the subsidy removal committee to include teams from the incoming administration and the state governors.

“That NEC deliberated on the issue extensively and came to the conclusion that subsidy must be removed as it is not sustainable. But there is a need for further consultations, especially the need to involve members of the incoming administration and representatives of the state governments.”

Abdullahi quoted the minister further as saying that NEC agreed to form an expanded committee that will be looking at

the process for the removal of the subsidy, including determining the exact time, as well as the measures that need to be taken to provide support to the poor and the vulnerable.

"There is also the need to agree to alternative measures that will be put in place to ensure that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products in the country,” he quoted the minister in the press statement.

According to Abdullahi, the minister said the Subsidy Removal Committee is currently made up of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the downstream and upstream regulators, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Chief Economic Adviser to the President.

"Mrs. Ahmed stated that the 2023 Fiscal Framework and Appropriation Act, as well as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) have made the provision that the government should exit fuel subsidy by June 2023.

"The committee is to work out a road map for the removal of the subsidy. No change in the overall policy direction regarding the petrol subsidy is envisaged by June 2023," the statement said.

The minister, while speaking to State House correspondents shortly after the NEC meeting on Thursday, clearly said NEC agreed that the timing

of the removal of fuel subsidy should not be now, “but that we should continue with all of the preparatory works that need to be done and that this preparatory has to be done in consultation with the states and other key stakeholders, including representatives of the incoming administration.”

Ahmed said: “Council agreed that the fuel subsidy must be removed earlier rather than later because it is not sustainable. We cannot afford it anymore. We have to do it in such a way that the impact of the subsidy is as much as possible, mitigated on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

“So, this will not only require looking at alternatives to the post-subsidy that needs to be planned for and subsequently put in place, but also what needs to be done to support the people that would be most affected as a result of the removal.

“So, we will be working together with representatives of the states, we will have a plan that we will start working on putting the building blocks towards the eventual removal of the fuel subsidy.

“If I may remind the forum, that the budget for 2023 has provision for subsidy only up to June 2023 and also the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has a provision that requires that all petroleum products must be deregulated 18 months after the effective date of the subsidy removal and that period is also up to June 2023.”

the perfect illustration of the vibrant Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit and an exemplary winning partnership between France and Nigeria over the long term.”

He said Adenuga’s success is a source of inspiration for French entrepreneurs and has given the France Nigeria Business Council an initial impetus essential to its success as a dialogue platform. Macron thanked him for the Mike Adenuga Foundation that is helping Nigerians and other African citizens achieve social and economic independence.

He also appreciated him for establishing the Mike Adenuga Center - Alliance Francaise, which has not only become “the major architectural and cultural landmark of Lagos, but a considerable asset for the cultural visibility of France in Nigeria and the dialogue between our cultures, with no equivalent on the continent.”

to reflect on and celebrate you and the goodness of God in your life. As you celebrate your 70th birthday today.

“Your sublime business acumen and accomplishments have been very impressive, with your massive investments across various industries, covering oil and gas and telecoms, among others.

“Your businesses, which span many countries across Africa, demonstrate great commitment to the growth and development of Africa. Not only do they help showcase Africa as a great investment destination, but they also show the power of your business ingenuity. Through your philanthropic activities you continue to support and impact the lives of others with kindness and generosity.”

Meanwhile, National Publicity Secretary of the APC yesterday denied reports that the party had zoned the leadership positions for the 10th National Assembly and that any statement to the contrary did not emanate from the party.

He said: "The attention of the APC has been drawn to versions of zoning arrangements for the 10th National Assembly leadership positions in circulation in sections of social media. The information did not emanate from the party and should be disregarded.

"To be clear, the Party has yet to zone positions of leadership of the 10th National Assembly. Any decisions made in that regard will be duly communicated via the Party’s official information channels."

Answering reporters’ questions on what happens after the June 2023 timeline for the subsidy removal when its funding would have ceased, the minister said the Appropriation Act may have to be revisited or a supplementary budget made.

“So, this is a decision that has been taken to expand the committee that is currently working with representatives of the states and it also means that we have to be engaging with petroleum marketers.

“So, if we’re extending beyond June, it means we have to revisit the Appropriation Act and do a supplementary or amend the bill and also the PIA.

“These are the reasons why we had to do this consultation with NEC to get inputs from the governors. They’re going to provide us with their representatives to work together with us to have a defined process that will take us towards removal.

“But one thing that is clear is that everybody agrees that the subsidy should be removed very quickly because the cost is only not efficient but it is also not sustainable, and that when the time comes for removal, the removal will be done once and for all.”

The Buhari administration is working towards the removal of subsidy, culminating in its recent sourcing of an $800 million grant from the World Bank to provide palliatives for vulnerable Nigerians.

H. E. Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor said: “As I send you this congratulatory message from my home in Monrovia; my mind processes your amazing, impactful and yet quiet life; I have seen your footprints and I am amazed by the stellar record you have set in many spheres of life.

“From the ground breaking innovations you have championed; which has changed Africa's landscape and opened up myriad opportunities for Africa's Industrial Journey; to making resourceful impact in the lives of many -both the great and small across the World.

“Indeed, You are truly one of Africa's Giant Iroko Trees with roots deep into the earth. For these and many other reasons, I humbly salute you Sir and share in the joy of this celebration of 70 years.”

President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Adesina said, “It is a good time

Mahama, in his message said: “Happy 70th birthday my dear brother and friend, Dr. Mike Adenuga (CSG).

“On this occasion of your 70th birthday, I want to recognize, especially, your huge development of human capacity on our continent, through the very vast investments in commodity trading, banking, real estate, oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, and the telecommunications sector.” Yayi, in his congratulatory message said: “Dear Brother, It is with great joy that I wish you a very happy and blessed 70th birthday. It was a pleasure for me to grant Glo, in 2007, a telecommunication license to start operating in Benin. Based on your remarkable achievements, I have never regretted doing so. You have actively and ardently participated in the development of new technologies in my country, thus greatly facilitating the interconnection between the people of Benin and Africa to the rest of the world.

ZENITH BANK DELIVERS STRONG Q1 2023 RESULTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL 41% GROSS EARNINGS’ GROWTH

The growth in the topline was propelled by substantial increases in both interest income and non-interest income.

Interest income surged by 52 per cent from N126.4 billion in Q1 2022, to N191.6 billion in Q1 2023, while non-interest income expanded by 27 per cent from N57.2 billion to N72.8 billion.

The growth in interest income could be attributed to the impact of risk asset repricing, while the increase in non-interest income primarily resulted from loan recoveries and foreign currency revaluation gains.

Regarding efficiency, the costto-income ratio improved from 55 per cent to 53.4 per cent in the current period, supported by a bolstered income line.

The cost of risk also moderated from 0.8 per cent to 0.7 per cent during the same period due to an enlarged loan book. However, Zenith Bank's cost of funding doubled YoY from 1.3 percent in Q1 2022 to 2.7 percent in Q1 2023, owing to a considerable spike in interest rates between both periods as interest expense grew from N25.8 billion in Q1 2022 to N70.8 billion in Q1 2023.

This impacted the net interest margin (NIM), which reduced from 7.3 per cent to 6.9 per cent over the same period.

Total assets expanded by nine per cent from N12.29 trillion in December 2022, to N13.36 trillion in March 2023, primarily driven by growth in customer deposits and other funding sources, such as borrowings.

In addition, the results showed

that in the review period, Zenith Bank's customer deposits increased by two per cent from N8.98 trillion in December 2022, to N9.14 trillion in March 2023. Loans and advances also experienced marginal growth of one per cent from N4.12 trillion in December 2022, to N4.15 trillion in March 2023 as customers continued to adjust to the full impact of higher rates on risk assets.

Both the capital adequacy and liquidity ratios remained robust at 19.5 percent and 72 per cent, respectively, with both prudential ratios comfortably exceeding regulatory thresholds.

"In 2023, the Group will maintain its focus on sustainable growth across all business segments as it restructures into a holding company, introduces new verticals to its businesses, and expands into new frontiers," the bank explained.

Zenith Bank's consistent record of outstanding performance has garnered numerous accolades for the brand, including being acknowledged as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 13th consecutive year in the 2022 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine.

The bank has also received the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) title in The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022, as well as the Best Bank in Nigeria award for three consecutive years, from 2020 to 2022, in the Global Finance World's Best Banks Awards.

ENAHORO: ENCOUNTERS WITH A MEDIA WIZARD

He was no digital native. That was the self-deprecating joke he often cracked — to lament a certain alienation from ever evolving technology — whenever we engaged in regular transatlantic chats via phone for almost a decade. Such self-depiction would, in fact, play out most practically just few weeks ago, under a rather desperate circumstance.

Pa Peter Enahoro (Peter Pan), one of the few surviving journalism titans, strangely needed help that morning when I picked his WhatApp call from London. His younger sibling was gravely ill in Nigeria. He thought I might be close by to help check on him.

Unfortunately, I was far away and instead suggested someone of power within the reach of his ailing sibling. Merely hearing the famous name of Enahoro, let alone the intimation of a senior citizen in extreme distress nearby, should, I reckoned, be enough to press this man of great power and authority to dispatch adequate help (ambulance and doctors) within the twinkling of an eye, at no personal cost whatsoever to the would-be helper.

Pa Enahoro welcomed the idea, though reluctantly. I got him the contacts. The next challenge was transmitting the message. At 88, the aged master of the words now mostly depended on stylus pen to write on his tablet. Then, we broke the conversation, for him to make a draft. Now, despite the grave urgency of the moment, Pa Enahoro never lost his humour in a voice made faint by age but still retaining that ring of folksy warmth.

While waiting on him, I could not but be struck by the sheer display of the power of filial love: an octogenarian caring for another in a manner reminiscent of the matriarch instinct of a mother hen casting a protective wing over its chick.

“Louis,” he called back after several minutes and then broke into his habitual self-humour, “My problem now is how to get the draft on my little screen here to you first to see if you think my words are appropriate and then how to get the message to the person you mentioned.”

We both laughed at his difficulty at navigating the gadgetry of modern cellphone. He ended up reading the draft to me and resisted my suggesting he added “Peter Pan” (the monicker that established his legend in Nigeria’s media folklore) somewhere as additional prop in case the memory of the addressee needed any reviving. His dismissal was because “that might sound like self-glorification.”

Somehow, he managed to transmit the SOS as text to the WhatsApp of this man of power, after repeated calls were not picked. But the great man of power never as much returned Peter Pan’s calls, let alone acknowledged receipt of his courteously written text. In vain did he wait for two harrowing days before reporting to me his disappointment. Only then did it become apparent why Pa Enahoro was reluctant initially. It must be doubly hurtful to be contemned under the circumstance by someone to whom you had unreservedly confided your woes, exposed your frailty or vulnerability in anticipation of help.

Pa Enahoro sounded deeply hurt by that snub, but had pleaded firmly I should not bother to follow up again, lest the impression be created that he or any Enahoro had entered the condition of destitution or mendicancy. To my relief, he announced help eventually reached his younger sibling through a Good Samaritan.

To be sure, he had confirmed to me the text was delivered to the WhatsApp address of the man of power and read almost immediately (as affirmed by WhatApp’s customary double pass-marks switching from white to blue). Nor did the man of power have the courtesy or summon the humanity to return the call or text till the elder statesman drew his last breadth in London on Monday.

But now the supreme irony: no sooner had Pa Enahoro’s passing been announced Tuesday than this same man of power rushed out

WHILE THE FRATERNITY OF THE FOURTH ESTATE OF REALM WILL, OF COURSE, HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT IDEA OR MONUMENT TO IMMORTALISE THE ILLUSTRIOUS MEMORY OF PETER PAN IN THE TIMES AHEAD, FOR OFFICIALDOM, A NUMBER OF RITES OF CLOSURE CLEARLY RECOMMEND THEMSELVES

a long, saccharin-laden eulogy praise-singing the departed to high heaven! If only words could rouse the dead, this particular oration alone would undoubtedly be enough to summon Peter Pan back from beyond. Yet, the heart that praises so effusively now had denied the old man rather coldly in his hour of dire need.

It is quite reflective of the pervasive culture of hypocrisy in high and low places, glamorising the shedding of crocodile tears.

Since his passing few days ago, tomes have been written documenting Pa Enahoro’s virtuoso exploits in Nigeria’s media space in years preceding and immediately following independence. It is therefore pointless revisiting the form and content of his journalism. His equally illustrious contemporaries include the likes of “Uncle Sam” (Pa Sam Amuka, Vanguard publisher) and Chief Segun Osoba.

But beyond journalism, Pa Enahoro’s example could, in a way, be said to typify the often-stated aborted promise of Nigeria’s first two decades of independence. Prodigious talents were largely left untapped by a system adept at squandering human resource on industrial scale.

Little wonder then that the cultural promise of the 60s and the intellectual ferment of the 70s that birthed the Tunji Aboyades, Philip Asiodus, Bala Takayas among a constellation of luminaries failed to inaugurate Nigeria’s takeoff in any way. A frustration perhaps later best expressed in the epochal lamentation in 1984 of “a wasted generation” by Professor Wole Soyinka, widely acclaimed as Nigeria’s greatest intellectual figure ever.

My first encounter with Pa Enahoro was by phone call sometime in 2015 shortly after I resigned my political appointment in Edo State and returned to journalism. (He was of Esan stock while I am Bini from Edo State.) The first day he called from London and introduced himself, I was flattered when he, the great master, said he had followed my writings and considered yours sincerely “a younger version of myself in my active days”. Good journalism, he would say, is all about afflicting the affluent and discomforting the powerful. Few days later, he directed his Nigerian publishers to deliver his last — and undoubtedly most definitive — book entitled “Then Spoke the Thunder” (2014 revised edition) to me. The 744-paged book is unarguably his testament. His earlier critically acclaimed works included satirical, “How To Be A Nigerian” (1966), “You Gotta Cry To Laugh” (1972) and “The Complete Nigerian” (1992).

That acquaintanceship would deepen into a father-son friendship thereafter. We chatted regularly, often on political developments in Nigeria. He never agreed with everything I wrote, but on pieces he differed he always complimented “I nonetheless respect your argument”. And on issues he felt strongly about, he would announce I should await his full thoughts in long essay. But the privilege of transmitting such was solely accorded his lifelong friend and comrade, “Uncle Sam”, who often published his articles exclusively in Vanguard.

About “Uncle Sam”, he writes in “Then Spoke the Thunder”: “Sam Amuka has been a rescuer and adoptive brother since we first met in boarding school. He has continued to be in my life in those roles, even as we settle into the winters years of our lives.”

He often spoke highly of Chief Osoba too and Professor Soyinka, the Nobel laureate, whom he often simply called “Wole” whenever we chatted. His other friends included Chief Tom Ikimi.

At his age, I could tell chatting offered him catharsis. At twilight, for most senior citizens, time surely becomes so flexible that day and night become almost contiguous. So, Pa Enahoro could call me very late, having realized I am a night bird. Banters with him were always engaging — a voyage of rich historical insights, unheard-of anecdotes and delirious humor.

Odion is a Fellow, Nigerian Guild of Editors

IMPROVNG ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is essential for human health and wellbeing. The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 is about “clean water and sanitation for all”. However, in many developing countries, these necessities remain out of reach for a significant portion of the population, particularly those living in suburban and rural areas. The popular thinking is that local governments can play a critical role in scaling up interventions to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Take Nigeria. It is easily the most populous country in Africa with a rapidly growing population that is expected to reach 400 million by 2050. Despite its vast natural resources, including water, Nigeria faces significant challenges in providing access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only 29 per cent of Nigerians have access to basic sanitation facilities, and only 63 per cent have access to basic water services.

The local government is Nigeria’s third tier of government. It consists of 774 units located across the 36 states of the federation. Local governments are typically responsible for a range of vital services for people and businesses in defined areas.

Empowering the local government is key to ad-

capacity to implement water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions effectively, contends Elvis Eromosele

dressing these and other basic everyday challenges. Across the world, local governments are responsible for providing basic services, including water and sanitation, to their communities. They are, however, often hampered by a lack of resources, capacity, and technical expertise to effectively implement interventions to improve access to these services. To overcome these challenges, several strategies can be implemented to empower the local government:

Capacity building: One of the most critical strategies for empowering the local government is to build its capacity to implement water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions effectively. This can be achieved through training programs, workshops, and other capacity-building initiatives that provide local government officials with the knowledge and skills they need to plan, implement, and monitor these interventions.

Partnerships: Partnerships with NGOs, private sector organisations, and other stakeholders can provide local governments with the resources and technical expertise they need to implement water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. These partnerships can also help to mobilize resources and raise awareness about the importance of improving access to these services.

Decentralization: Decentralization of water and

sanitation services to the local government can enhance the accountability and responsiveness of local governments to their communities. Decentralization can also provide local governments with greater control over the allocation of resources, enabling them to prioritize interventions that are most needed in their communities.

Use of technology: The use of technology can help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. For example, mobile technology can be used to collect data on water sources and sanitation facilities, monitor water quality, and track the implementation of interventions.

Community participation: Community participation is critical to the success of water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Local governments can empower communities by involving them in the planning and implementation of interventions, as well as in monitoring and evaluation.

This is the core of the matter, transforming the operations of local governments in Nigeria will require a significant investment of resources. The exact amount required will depend on several factors, including the size and population of each local government, the specific interventions needed, and the level of capacity and resources currently

available to local governments.

Experts foresee that it would require consistent investment over the next 10 years, at the minimum, to make any dent

To start, we must have full autonomy for local governments in the country. Local government autonomy refers to the degree to which local governments have the power to make decisions and manage their affairs independently of the state or federal government. In Nigeria, local governments have limited autonomy, which has led to a range of issues and challenges. The biggest problem here is that of access to funds.

Empowering the local government is key to truly transforming the nation. As local governments are able to scale up water access, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, they will contribute directly to improving the quality of life of citizens. By building the capacity of local governments, fostering partnerships, decentralizing services, utilizing technology, and promoting community participation, we can improve access to these necessities and promote health and well-being for all. Local government autonomy is the ideal starting point.

Eromosele, a Corporate Communication professional and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos

Louis Odion pays tribute to Peter Enahoro, Journalist of repute

What now?

An advocate brought to the attention of the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) a Facebook post on an alleged witch boy in Rivers State. The post had this headline: “I Am A Witch: I Have Killed Many People - Alleged Little Witch Confesses in Rivers State”. The post further states: “My mission today is to walk through Mbiama Community. I am a witch and I have killed many here in Mbiama. I am tired of the nightlife and the darkness”. The post says that the boy was “allegedly seen flying to settle down about 2 am yesterday”. There was no image of the boy flying. Instead, the post had photos of the boy walking on the street. The post noted that the child identified as Marvellous confessed at Mbiama Town Hall in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State. While confessing, he said he would take the paramount ruler and the general public around the houses of people he had killed. The AfAW drew the attention of the police, FIDA, and the NHRC to the incident. But nobody could ascertain the child’s whereabouts. The AfAW despatched one of its advocates in Rivers State to the community to trace and ascertain the situation of the boy.

According to the advocate “The journey took about three hours from Port Harcourt to Mbiama community which is in the boundary of Rivers and Bayelsa States”. When he got to the Mbiama community, an ethnic clan of the Ijaw, he tried talking to some people but they were suspicious and could not tell him what happened. So he decided to visit the palace of Mbiama’s paramount ruler, Slyvanus Smith. On getting there, the traditional ruler was in a celebratory mood. It was his birthday. Still, he granted him an audience. According to the traditional ruler, the incident happened on a Monday morning. Some people found the boy around 3 am. People were shocked that a little boy was moving around the village at that time. They apprehended him but the supposed witch boy said he was hungry. They asked him where he resided and he pointed at a shop. They took him to the shop and found out it was an empty store. On further questioning, the boy started confessing how he was into witchcraft, and how he was initiated by his father who, according to him, killed his mother. It is important to note that what children say or respond is often a factor of how the adults interrogate them. Mobs usually pose questions that

An Alleged ‘Witch’ Boy in Rivers State

suggest witchcraft.

The boy said his father initiated him and always demanded blood from him. That he usually carried out his operation from 3 am. At this time the father would magically empower and enable him to carry out the operations.

He also confessed to draining the blood of about four kids in the community. Children were mainly his targets. He was not draining the blood of elderly persons. They later took him to a police checkpoint where he narrated the same story. The police were about to detain him but the youths suggested that the case be taken to the paramount ruler, Sylvanus Smith. While this was going on, a person identified as the boy’s caregiver arrived. When the case got to the king of the community, he asked the caregiver how he was related to the boy.

The man said the boy was his late younger sister’s son. He brought from Owerri after the death of his mother. It wasn’t clear whom the boy was staying with in Owerri. According to the king, the father of the boy is said to be living in Calabar, Cross River State.

The caregiver said the boy used to go out in the

night before he came back from work; that he had tried to stop the boy from doing that to no avail. Sometimes he flogged him or tied him up. The king asked the boy what he was doing outside at that time of the night. The boy said the same thing as mentioned earlier and then he asked him to demonstrate how he used to suck or drain the blood of his victims. The boys made some funny facial expressions.

Then the boy said he could show them the children, that he had drained their blood in the Mbiama community. They all agreed to go with him so that he could show them the kids. He walked them around the town until he saw two kids and identified them to be among his victims. They discovered one of the kids lacked blood and was ill. He asked the boy (marvelous) what would happen to the kids now. He said when they drained the blood from them they would get sick and eventually die. That there was no remedy for it except he was given some money to travel to Calabar, there he could find a remedy. The king also said they interviewed the parents of the sup-

THE SATURDAY

posed victims, and they confirmed that their kids had been healthy until recently, which according to the king, was a confirmation that the witch boy’s confession was true and should not be doubted.

But in his wisdom, the traditional ruler didn’t allow any harm to come to the boy because he felt pity for him. He was of the view that it was not his fault but the father’s because the father initiated the child into the witchcraft world. The traditional ruler decided to let the boy go, instructing the guardian to take the boy out of the Mbiama community for his safety. Our advocate inquired from the traditional ruler if some mental or emotional issues could have made the boy confess. But he said the boy was so sure about what he was saying. He ruled out the suspicion that the boy might have some mental health issues. The boy’s whereabouts are known. It is assumed that he was taken to Calabar. The AfAW commends the traditional ruler of Mbiama for ensuring the safety of this child. This boy is not a witch but a victim of a broken child care system.

Leo Igwe is an activist

Stay Home

In my home State, Victoria (Australia), there have been numerous disruptions to local council meetings from people with concerning views, the anti-Vaccinators, those who think 5G is dangerous and just some of the paranoid lost souls. From what I read this is occurring in many parts of the world.

Why are those making so much noise at Council meetings the people we want to hear the least from and the ones who seem to listen only to the most extreme of the dark corners of the internet?

Why can’t we have the usual boring council meetings that no one wants to listen to or speak at?

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

10th N’Assembly Must Cut Its Running Cost

The race is gathering momentum. I’m talking about the battle for the positions of President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the incoming 10th National Assembly. The good, the bad and the ugly have thrown their hats in the ring. It’s a coat of many colours. For me, the two chambers need crusaders to pilot their activities from next June. Legislators must look out for genuine reformists and vote them in as principal officers. The chambers need massive transformation and rebranding. The era of cash-guzzling and rubber-stamp National Assembly must end.

This area of funding for the National Assembly is a vital part that must be reformed. Federal lawmakers have become a burden on this country for too long. It is as if they are in the two chambers basically to fill their pockets. In the 2023 budget alone, the National Assembly will gulp N228 billion. That is, the 469 legislators, the civil servants and the two agencies under the National Assembly will gulp N228 billion in 12 months. Trust me, these hawks will get this money out in full.

In traumatised mother Nigeria, the National Assembly is one of the places for amassing megabucks. This has been the pattern in the last 24 years of democracy. The lawmakers feed fat while the masses of the people they represent wallow in abject poverty. When it comes to milking our commonwealth, they unite. At this stage, no lawmaker talks about belonging to APC or PDP. Nobody talks about North or South. Members of the ludicrous ruling “change” party simply bury their “change” mantra and enjoy the draining of our commonwealth. This ugly era must end in the 10th Assembly.

During this outgoing 9th Assembly, senators were each receiving N13.5 million monthly as running cost. Add salary to it and it will jump to about N14.5 million monthly. Those in the House of Representatives each get N9.5 million monthly as running costs. Add salary and it will jump to about N10.2 million monthly for each House of Representatives member.

Thanks to the senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani. But for him, we would not have these facts and figures. Traumatised Nigerians are further devastated by these statistics. Hunger and poverty in our land are becoming unbearable; the eight years of the Buhari government have been horrendous, with millions of Nigerians losing jobs. A country where millions of people go to bed without dinner and wake up not sure of where breakfast will come from can’t

continue paying this much to lawmakers.

A country where thousands of civil servants in some states have not been paid for months should not continue a legislative treat like this. This luxury must not continue in a country with a comatose economy, where millions of graduates roam the streets without jobs. It is also necessary to stop these heartless payments so that the National Assembly would be attractive only to people with ideas; not people that are after megabucks.

No doubt, our lawmakers need to cover running costs on things like travels, medicals, consultancy, maintenance of constituency offices, visits to constituency, office work and maintenance of facilities in their offices at the National Assembly and constituencies. They also need good money to effectively carry out their oversight functions. However, continuation of these monthly humongous figures can’t fly amid suffering in our land.

I can still clearly recollect that in 2012, the United Kingdom-based Economist magazine concluded that Nigerian lawmakers were the highest paid in the world. This must not linger. For me, the monthly running cost for each federal lawmaker should not exceed N2 million. These lawmakers must sacrifice their comfort in this era of despair. I believe that the bureaucracy of the National Assembly should be allowed to directly handle the travels and medicals of these lawmakers to end abuse and corruption in this process. Yes, the bureaucracy would try to drag them back with bottlenecks, but with reformist leaders in the 10th Assembly, these bureaucrats will fall in line.

The 10th National Assembly needs reformist leaders who will end spending incongruity in the chambers by cutting down its expenditure in the interest of Nigerians; new leaders courageous enough to end these cold-blooded payments to lawmakers; reformists that will ensure that all outflows to the legislators are transparent.

Lawmakers of the 10th Assembly must cut down running expenses and free the funds for projects that will directly touch the lives of the masses of the people. Our dear legislators must be subjected to greater austerity measures in an era of economic depression in Nigeria. I will like to see aspirants for the leadership positions in the two chambers campaigning along these lines.

Let’s flip to the jesters in the race for President of the Senate. Honestly, I find the candidacy of Godswill Akpabio and David Umahi repulsive. I’m shocked that they have indicated interest in this position. Akpabio and Umahi do not fit into the reformist leaders I have been talking about all along. These two guys have no iota of integrity.

Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs exposed his true character. I have no regret regularly referring to him as a jester following the manner he messed up as a governor, a senator and then as minister. He confirmed this with his volte-face in the House of Representatives’ probe in 2022 over his earlier allegation that the lawmakers got 60 per cent of the contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission. Akpabio, who made the claim on national television, turned around to deny it a few

Kaigama is Right, Nigeria is in a Mess

This week, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama joined the list of patriots calling on the federal government to take proactive measures to curb kidnappings, violence, and unprovoked attacks in the country. He expressed sadness over the failed promises of the government to protect its citizens and curb all acts of criminality.

Kaigama’s Epistle was triggered by the recent terror attack in Igu community, Abuja. He declared: “During the last attack, some of our members and those of the community were kidnapped and a violent attempt was also made on the priest in the parish house. It is sad that despite the promises of the government to ensure the safety of its citizens, these heinous acts of criminality continue to fester in different communities across the nation.

“Proactive measures must be taken once and for all to bring such ugly situations under control… The cloud of despair hovers over us with the ugly incidences of kidnapping,

violence, and unprovoked attacks such as the cases in Nasarawa, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Southern Taraba, and in different parts of the country.”

Kaigama’s Epistle was apt. Unfortunately, the desired response will not come because we have in place a failed federal government led by calamity Buhari. Aside from lacking the capacity to deal with insecurity, Buhari has also encouraged it with his extreme clannishness. Killings and kidnapping pour because of this failed government. There is hardly any part of Nigeria not affected. Just this week, hapless Musa Kusaki, was killed while trying to prevent suspected kidnappers from abducting his wife at home in Kasada village, Kuje, Abuja. The woman, Hulaira, was eventually abducted with five others.

A cashew farmer and community leader in Aghara, Kabba-Bunu LG of Kogi State, Chief David Obadofin, who was kidnapped on Easter Sunday was killed by his abductors last Thursday.

days after he was told to provide the list of the profiting lawmakers. He went back crawling to the lawmakers, saying he referred to old contracts awarded by the NDDC which had not been paid for, and some of which are part of the constituency projects of the lawmakers. Akpabio is believed to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of NDDC contracts.

Can you imagine Akpabio denying something that was recorded? This is a remark we all heard clearly. Well, this is the true character of Akpabio. It tells you how warped he is and can’t be trusted with anything, right from his days as commissioner in Akwa Ibom State. Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila scornfully read Akpabio’s response, which came after he threatened to sue the minister for failing to prove that NDDC awarded contracts to them.

With a man like this, Nigeria will continue to lag behind. Akpabio has no business in the race for President of the Senate.

How can Umahi, a Fascist, be talking about becoming the President of Nigeria’s Senate? This man has spent all his eight years as governor pummeling opposition politicians. Umahi has also been using Ebonyi State’s security outfit, Ebubeagu, for all sorts of atrocities. The list of preys is growing daily. I can’t forget how he thumped Labour Party’s Senatorial candidate for Ebonyi South, Linus Okorie.

Okorie was abducted and thoroughly beaten because he did not respond to invitations by Ebubeagu to answer questions on “dealing in hard drugs and other offences, spreading fake news against Umahi and activities/utterances that provoked the violence that engulfed Onicha in 2021”. What is the business of Ebubeagu with drug traffickers? Has Ebubeagu taken over the responsibility of NDLEA? Okorie was kept in Abakaliki prison for weeks and later arraigned in a Magistrate court.

I will also not forget how Umahi harassed and dehumanised PDP’s Publicity Secretary in the state, Chika Nwoba, “for circulating fake news in the social media.” Nwoba was punching holes in the rambling administration of Umahi, with facts and figures and the badly shaken Umahi decided to send Ebubeagu after him. He was arrested, thoroughly beaten and handed over to the police.

Umahi believes not being a ranking Senator can’t stop his ambition of becoming President of the Senate. A few days back, I heard one of his commissioners saying “he is fully qualified.” The commissioner, a lawyer adds: “Much has been said about ranking in the Senate as if it is a condition precedent for being a Senate President. This sentiment has limited the thoughts of legal minds and suppressed the pre- eminence and considerations of the rule of the Constitution on who qualifies to be elected as Senate President.

“By Section 50 of the Constitution, every member of the Senate who has taken an oath of membership is eligible to be voted for as President. Ranking is not given any iota of preeminence… A first timer is clearly empowered by Order 3 of the Senate’s Standing Orders 2015 as Amended to contest for President.”

Much as I agree that the “ranking Senator” requirement for the Presidency of the Senate is unconstitutional, saying Umahi has capacity, pedigree, character, and performance record to lead the Senate is preposterous. This Ebonyi governor lacks all the qualities listed. He has no business in this race for President of the Senate.

My conclusion today is very simple. Senators of the 10th Assembly should look beyond Akpabio and Umahi for leadership. The Senate and House of Representatives should look towards genuine reformists as leaders; people who will berth a new National Assembly. This is the only way forward.

The 10th National Assembly needs reformist leaders who will end spending incongruity in the chambers by cutting down its expenditure in the interest of Nigerians; new leaders courageous enough to end these cold-blooded payments to lawmakers; reformists that will ensure that all outflows to the legislators are transparent

Kaigama

The abducted governorship aspirant of APGA in the last election in Enugu State, Dons Udeh was killed by his captors this week. What a country!

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Fashion Reality Show, ‘Layole’s Lounge’ Unveiled

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

After almost a decade hiatus from the screens, broadcaster, actress, and red-carpet host, Layole Oyatogun has unveiled a new Fashion Reality programme – ‘Layole’s Lounge’. The fashion series which debuts in dearth of premium fashion shows on the television screen.

She describes the show as highlighting behind-the-scenes of African celebrities’ fashion. The Fashion Reality series, according to the host and producer, Layole, was conceptualised ten years ago and after much work, challenges and planning with her GLAM Team, will screen thirteen episodes of the program, featuring the hottest celebrities from Africa.

Speaking on the project, Layole, the daughter of late veteran broadcaster Walter Oyatogun, said, “As a broadcaster, I have presented fashion programmes among other

events in the past and I found out that we can really showcase the best of fashion, hence, Layole’s Lounge which is a dream come

Towards the premiere of the Fashion Reality show on Saturday, May 6 in Africa Magic Family Channel, a party holds on May 1 with Layole and friends which will also have the presence of celebs that featured in the reality fashion show set around A-list cast and their most fashionable and Insta-worthy moments.

The show would deliver the deep gist behind red-carpet fashion and glamour of Africa’s top entertainment celebrities. Layole’s Lounge is a journey into the world of glamour and glitz of celebrity fashion. It is a fashion reality series that captures the magic of celebrity dress up and transformation

It takes a look at happenings behind-the-

scene of a red carpet appearance; the anxiety, fun, frustration, happiness, and stress that go into creating the perfect red carpet look. A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, Layole started her career co-presenting an entertainment show called ‘Star Dust’ with her younger sister Mofe Oyatogun on MITV.

After leaving Silverbird Television almost a decade ago, she established her Public Relations and Management company (LOPR) where she represents celebrity clients. Layole has hosted various fashion weeks across the globe including Mercedes Benz fashion week in Pretoria and New York and the AMAA (Africa Movie Academy Awards).

She has also hosted events such as the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant, Africa Fashion Week and lots more during her time at Silverbird. She anchored the Cadbury breakfast TV show, MBGN Dairy, Page 3.

Udeigwe Drives Purpose with New Single

New York-based Nigerian musician and Professor of Mathematics, Lawrence Udeigwe, years after successfully courting international audience with his music, has positioned his new single titled ‘Today’ for entertainment pleasure and same time raising a consciousness for people to make the forthcoming album.

Expressing his great desire for his music career, he said: “In 5 years, I’d love to be leading a successful internationally known group that does well both on big stages and small listening rooms, have enough materials to release an album each year for the next 10 years.”

Speaking recently from his base in the US, Lawrence Udeigwe, who simply goes by the stage name Udeigwe, described music as his work he had put into developing his music career despite being a mathematician.

Udeigwe

slow but steady work. I am also a university professor so I am not able to devote 100% of my time to music, but my grind has been steady.

“I used to release music under the pseudonym Lorens Chuno. But in the past few years, I started to see the need to have a more encompassing

name that encapsulates my personal, academic, and artistic life,” he said.

of Jazz, and this Manhattan College professor of mathematics and artist, also wants music lovers and his fans to enjoy the classic mix of afrobeats. He also highlights an important fact that his music takes on “a wide range of issues that the contemporary African deals with.”

Udeigwe describes the Nigerian music lot of growth since it started, and the sound is a little more diverse now.” On rating the Nigerian music industry in the global music space, Udeigwe said:” In terms of danceable tunes, it occupies a good piece of space.”

He further expresses his thought. “I think there is still a huge unoccupied space that yet to tap into our potentials when it comes to listener-friendly music and purely instrumental music, even though we had traditionally had those kinds of music across all the ethnic groups of the country.” He looks forward to collaborations with some established Nigerian musicians, as he expressed his thoughts: “I hear Ladipoe on a song I’m currently working on. I hear The

Cavemen on another song I’m working on. Others include Tiwa Savage, Flavour, and Niniola. But to be honest, I’d be honoured to work with any of the established folks.”

With a PhD in mathematics, Udeigwe would simply remain with mathematics if he were not doing music. Though a native of Enugu State, Udeigwe and his six siblings were born and raised in Makurdi, Benue State. His father ran a provision store and a dry-cleaning business while his mother managed a successful tailoring business until retirement.

Udeigwe attended St Theresa’s Primary School in Wurukum Makurdi, and Mt St Gabriel’s Secondary School Makurdi, same high school that Nigerian music icon, 2Baba (Innocent Idibia), attended. He left Nigeria for the United States in 2000 for his university education and has remained there since then. between ‘old school music’ and what obtains now, Udeigwe said: “I think most old school musicians have a wider range of inspiration. At the same time, it may not be fair to compare the two eras since technology has changed so many things including music making tools.” His love for music is the sanity that good music gives, besides the entertainment enjoyed.

Empress Njamah Gets Her Groove Back Ini Ini, Are You Truly In It?

The popular Nollywood star, Empress Njamah had long got wind of her former lover, George Wade’s arrest before it surfaced on social media. This comes months after her traumatic experience in December last year, when her Liberian ex-lover-turned-blackmailer, Wade, put out her private pictures and videos on social media. Empress at the time did claim she reported the incident to the police.

And that in due time when the blackmailer is apprehended by the authorities the real story will be made public and justice will be served. The actress who appears to have got her groove back following her recent posts had shared a video on Instagram where she informed her fans and followers that she had been engaged by Wade. But unknown to her, her once fictitious lover only pretended to be into her, and was “gathering the tools he would use to blackmail me.”

The star actress disclosed that the engagement video she had posted on her personal page earlier that month was made under duress. She further disclosed that she had been a victim of scams and physical abuse and had been held hostage by Wade before she finally managed to escape from the situation. In the thick of the crisis, she stated that the serial scammer hacked her phone and was ‘handling’ her social media page.

Despite her escape from the affair, Wade continued to pose a threat to Empress. But, apparently, shortly before Wade’s arrest in his country was made public Empress has regained

Empress and Wade

It was comedian Seyi Law who once cracked his audience with the actress Ini Edo in attendance. Seyi during the show surprisingly noticed Ini Edo among the audience and asked: “Ini Ini, Are you (here) in it?” To which the actress giggled and laughed out. Going by the recent scandal involving Ini Edo’s colleague, Empress Njamah and her former lover-scammer, George Wade, to which Wade has been arrested for alleged serial scam and blackmail on several other women in Liberia and Nigerian, including Ini Edo, it begets the question: is Ini Edo truly involved in it?

Ini Edo control of the page, and began posting pictures and videos of her activities while she recounted the emotionally draining experience. Two days to when the video showing Wade’s arrest emerged, Empress jokingly asked her followers to deposit money into her bank account.

She then said she wanted to test if her ‘alert was working’. Many of her colleagues and fans then asked for her account details, which led to her posting a video, thanking them for the outpour of love. The video which was posted last Monday showed Wade in handcuffs being led by some Liberian police offers. “Our God is not asleep, @empressnjamah’s blackmailer is finally caught in Liberia,” the caption read.

Wade was arrested for allegedly carrying out the same acts of blackmail on several women in Liberia and Nigerian, including some top Nollywood stars. Liberia police chief during a press conference in the country disclosed that Wade, whose real name is Nicholas Jack Davis, is a well-known scammer who specifically preys on wealthy women, lures them into romantic relationships, and manipulates them to swindle their fortunes.

Recall that Wade, whose real name is Nicholas targeted wealthy women, entered into romantic relationships with them, and swindled them of their fortunes. Wade has been making headlines on social media and blogs. A few hours after he met his waterloo in Liberia, a recorded video of Ini Edo and Empress’ lover-scammer, including a snapshot photo of Ini’s international passport, went viral.

It was speculated that the video recording, photo and international passport belonging to Ini Edo was retrieved from Wade’s phone. Reports further have it that, in addition to his known victim in Nigeria, Empress Njamah, he possessed intimate videos of about nine other female celebrities. The scandal has garnered widespread attention, with many people criticising the actress. In response, Ini Edo has shared her side of the story.

She stated that the alleged blackmailer had contacted her months ago, claiming to be producing a movie and requesting her participation. Edo further claimed that she ceased communication with him when he began making advances towards a romantic relationship. She also stated that she has never met Davies, and regarding the passport photograph found on his phone, meet purely on business.

Speaking about the recorded video call, the actress claimed that it was an unsolicited call that she picked up to tell Davies to switch to audio and not call her on video. She said in parts, “Just turning on my phone and I am been bombarded with lots of accusations. I don’t know how to do this but I have to do it cause I feel like, lots of times people throw things at me and I let it slide and people feel like it’s okay to keep doing it. I don’t know why people are dragging me into the web of lies. If I have to talk about this I have to be truthful.

Layole

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Mercy, My Friend, My Devoted Companion, Adieu

Iwas privileged that I had her as my wife for 32 years and for an additional five years earlier as a schoolmate and friend in courtship. Our friendship and companionship were designed like no other. Ours was carved in rare blocks from whichever angle you look at it. We met in the course of an unusual circumstance and built up from scratch. On our wedding day, we set out on a bus ride to the marriage registry. We had no new dresses. No Photograper. No guests. No wedding reception. We could not afford them all. We had faith in God. We were full of determination.

The defunct Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic gave me admission in 1983 to Study Mass Communications.

The same year, she gained admission into Ozoro Polytechnic to study Banking and Finance. It is not difficult to conclude that unless something extraordinary happened, our paths could never have crossed.

Midway into our programs, both schools were shut down by the General Jeremiah Useni military administration in the then Bendel State. The forced closure of the two tertiary institutions brought excruciating anxieties for students of both institutions who had their hope hanged in the balance.

Just right inside this anxiety and uncertainty was the story of our lives, our future, and our family.

Following the shutdown of the two polytechnics, Students of both schools were asked to report to Auchi Polytechnic for absorption. But Auchi Polytechnic, for administrative and academic reasons, could not accommodate all the students.

About half of the students were provided space in Benin City at the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE) to study for the Auchi Polytechnic Diploma.

All the affected students of both Ozoro and Ogwashi-Uki Polytechnics, including Mercy and I, resumed classes at ICE premises in Benin. The closure of the two schools had a silver lining for us. So, there was this beautiful girl, ebony black and well-shaped, Mercy Ogie, one of the students studying Banking and Finance from Ozoro Polytechnic.

We both entered this school arrangement without knowing that this was the most significant event to influence our lives. And it was carefully embedded by providence, destiny and fate inside this seemingly intractable crisis of the closure of our different institutions.

About three months before concluding the program at ICE, I was at the departmental block when I saw this pretty girl again. Recently my eyes were on her, but we had never spoken to each other, except during our passive meetings at students’ brief meetings, where, as one of the students’ leaders, I explained the efforts to be sure we completed our program in one piece. It was always like a general meeting where those of us in the forefront addressed the students. So I can say, and she confirmed that she knew me from those public meetings. This morning I saw her again, smart, beautiful and exuding all the seriousness you can possibly infer from a physical demeanour. My heart pounded, and my head went turning again. I couldn’t resist it this time.

And was it a voice I heard? It was loud inside of me, and it was clear. “That’s your wife.”

“Wife ke?”, (wife?), I queried, but without thinking, I ran after her to her class, Banking and Finance, about three class halls away from the Mass Comm hall.

I stood at the door and beckoned on her to be excused outside to the car park, a few steps away. She obliged. The message was straightforward. It was respectfully delivered. No introductions.

Just salutations and I dropped my message: “I don’t expect you to respond to what I want to tell you. I am not looking for a girlfriend. I am convinced that you will be my wife.“

Classical. She didn’t disappoint. “Is that all” she responded. I replied, “Yes.” “Can I go now?” she asked, and I responded, “Yes,” again. I was

not expecting anything more. The encounter was not more than 3 minutes. I watched her step off and away from my sight.

She didn’t look back, against my expectations, that she would, at least, look back.

I was greatly relieved, and I didn’t see her again until three weeks later when I went to her class to invite her for a drink at the kiosk.

That was when we introduced ourselves, and we got to say a little about our backgrounds.

“I am Mercy,” she told me.

She told me she had been trying to process the message I had dropped with her. According to her, she couldn’t understand. I told her that I hardly understood too.

Shewasn’tconsideringmarriage,asthecurrent academic challenge was big enough.

I wasn’t thinking of marriage either.

We became friends, got along, and we soon graduated.

I moved to Lagos to join The Guardian on an internship.

She got a job with the defunct New Nigeria Bank, and she picked the offer to resume in the bank’s branch in Lagos.

Five years later, we got married at the City Hall Registry, Lagos. The entire marriage ceremony at City Hall couldn’t have lasted more than 30 minutes.Wewerenot quite ready financially, but we avoided unnecessary expenses. We were packed with determination. We had a budget of N14,000,aboutmyannualsalaryonTheGuardian Newspapers as a Staff Reporter, for both the traditional ceremonies and the registry.

A week earlier, on May 11, 1991, we were in Benin City for the traditional ceremonies. It wasattendedbyonlyourclosefriendsandfamily members. She had confided in her parents that our budget was nothing to write home about. So in one of those pre-wedding visits, my fatherin-law, Pa Gabriel Ogie, of blessed memory, a school Principal, took me into the inner recess of the house for a discussion.

“I know you don’t have all the means for an elaborate marriage ceremony. Just bring in your parents and immediate family members. I will blessyouandmydaughterinmarriage.Youdon’t need to bother yourself with anything”, he said.

Fromtheleanbudget,wedecidedwecouldonly buy new clothes for the traditional ceremony.

She didn’t insist on “standards.” We couldn’t afford to buy any new dresses for the ceremony at the registry. In the office, I told Edetean Ojo and David Ogah that we have decided to have them as witnesses to our marriage.

They obliged us. On Saturday, May 18, 1991, very early morning, my Mercy and I headed to the bus stop. We had no budget for a taxi. Edetean and David found their way to City Hall at 8 am. None of us had personal cars. We took our first bus from Iyana-Ipaja to the Ikeja bus stop. From Ikeja, we took another bus heading to CMS. But something happened.

In Maryland, just before the bus stop, there was a slight traffic build-up on both sides of the road.

I sat near the window in the yellow-painted small FEDECO bus on the side of the inner lane, and right from the other side of the road, I heard a call.

I saw a senior colleague in The Guardian newsroom, Mr. Emeka Okoroayanwu. He sighted me on the bus. He wasn’t aware of our marriage ceremony. He was one of the three reporters proudlyowningacar,aPeugeot504,intheentire newsroom of The Guardian. “Austine, where are you headed,” he asked. “Just get down from the bus and wait for me at the bus stop,” was his quick response when I told him we were going to City Hall for our marriage. He turned around and took us to City Hall, to our delight.

Edetean Ojo and David Ogah were already waiting when we got to City Hall. It was a few minutes past eight, and the Registrar was already waiting. There were usually dozens of marriage ceremonies in City Hall on Saturdays. I had pleaded with the registry that we desired that our ceremony be the first in the morning, and they obliged and fixed 8 am. I wore my regular shirt and trouser while she dressed in her typical office attire. No new dress. No crowd. No photographer and no reception party. After clearing the doubts, which the Registrar very clearly expressed, he joined us together in matrimony. The only spectator was my senior colleague, Mr. Emaka Okoroayanwu. The other two, Edetean and David, took turns to sign and witness our marriage.

Both of them were bachelors. From City Hall, we all, except David Ogah, proceeded to Blue Cross Hospital, Ogba, driven by Oga Emeka, to see a mutual friend, Emmanuel Okoyomo, who was hospitalized. Mr. Okoroayanwu discarded his weekend engagements, drove us all around and took us home to Iyana-Ipaja.

Our experience in school was partly responsible for our desire and decision not to send our children to any university or polytechnic in Nigeria if we could afford it. This desire was a family prayer point. For this reason, we didn’t have more than two children. We feared more children could hamper our desire to have our children attend some of the best institutions in the world.

The prayer was answered. We moved our children, one after the other, midway through their secondary school in Nigeria to Southern Ontario College, a high school in Canada.

They ended up at the University of Toronto and York University, to our delight.

They are our story, our success, our perseverance, hope and commitment.

Our joy remains that despite her battle with cancer, which lasted ten years, she saw Bright and Clifford grow into very responsible young adults. They crowned it up with their marriage tothemostbeautiful,well-groomedandequally well-educated girls who have now filled the space for daughters in our home.

For over thirty-five years, I sojourned with an angel, a woman of class and ideas.

Her respectful disposition, intelligence, discipline, her sincerity and love have enabled our success, my success.

I derived my energy, my inspiration and courage from this woman. She made more sacrifices to keep us going. She wrapped up her job in the bank in Lagos to join me in Abuja.

She dropped her thriving telecoms business in Nigeria to join and live with our kids in Canada.

I valued and enjoyed her trust and unimaginable confidence and tolerance.

I saw the efficacy of her prayers over the children and me. On average, she lived with and managed the children for at least 70 percent of our joint parenting, while I probably did not go up to 30 percent, most times, remotely. She sets the rules and requests my endorsement. For instance, at the ages of 14 and 16, when the children were alone in high school in Canada, it was compulsory, according to her rules, for us to stay awake till around midnight because of the time difference to be able to Skype with them before we sleep, every day. My huge success as a journalist is largely because she supported me. She gave me peace of mind, and God gave us a peaceful home. For thirty-two years of our marriage, a third party was never invited to settle any quarrel. She bridged the gaps at home and allowed me to be away, travelling around the country and the world while maintaining an unusual calmness, efficient control and trust.

I have not been able to stop the tears. It is difficult for me to process. We prayed, and we believed, but God made the final decision. Her battle with cancer was a battle for the family. Our boys gave it everything they had. I was mostly in Nigeria during this period, but I relocated in 2020 to be with them. I had the opportunity to nurse her, gist with her, eat with her and pray with her.

I was by her bedside in the hospital night and day in her last two months. I took a few hours during the day to dash home, and during that time, my son came in to be with her and to read out Bible verses to her.

As she is laid to rest on Saturday, April 29, I bless the day I met her. I salute her courage, tolerance, trust, commitment and love. Above all, we give all the glory to God, who formed us and who, from the beginning, permitted us to walk according to his plans. We thank our friends and family members who believed in and supported our dreams. Adieu, my friend, my companion and my unconditional lover. I will meet you again on the day of the resurrection.

AgbonsuremiAugustinewrotefromRegina, Saskatchewan, Canada, agbonsuremi@ yahoo.come

Mercy Meercy

Austin Agbonsuremi

‘Birthday Anniversary’ Incorrect

WRONG: birthday anniversary. Use either ‘birthday’ or ‘anniversary’. The two cannot co-function. (Elucidation next week).

“I cannot divorce my wife because of false allegations that….” This is utterly wrong! An ‘allegation’ is either true or untrue—until proved. There is nothing like ‘false allegation’ but ‘allegation’.

“That alone justifies the choice of Sokoto State electorates who could relate with his penchant for siding with the populace.” Get it right: the Sokoto State electorate

NEWS: “Kwara APC suspends ex-senator, gov’s aide, others over (for) anti-party activities”

“Congratulations our focused workaholic and God fearing (God-fearing) gentleman….” ‘Workaholic’ is informal and slightly uncomplimentary!

THISDAY of April 22 disseminated just three mistakes: “The financial services sector came top (tops) and accounted for 1.759 billion shares valued at N14.642 billion….”

“…in what appeared as if police was (the police were) winning the war on tinted glasses….”

“The initial optimism that the solution to the crisis bedeviling the Adamawa State chapter of the PDP was at (in) sight may be a forlorn hope if….”

THISDAY of April 20 disrespected the English language right from its Front Page: “…at the funeral service for late Chief Oluwole Awolowo at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo in Ogun State…yesterday.” My own last respects: funeral service for Chief Oluwole Awolowo. You do not hold a funeral service for a living person! If the obvious has to be awkwardly stated, at all, then it should be: for the late Chief….

“Rivers PDP crisis: We’ll enforce Abuja court order, says (say) police”

“Task force arrest (arrests) informant, three other pipeline vandals”

“With the injury which report says will knocked (sic) him out for between six to (and) nine months.”

Is this a phrase or a loose sentence?

The last contribution by THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER of April 22 under review: “The Federal Government said they (it) will (would) demolish our homes but….”

Daily Trust of April 18 circulated multifarious improprieties: “…the driver of the vehicle used for the kidnap took to his heel (heels).”

“…Mrs. Sanwo-Olu visited the home of the abducted chairman to condole (condole with) his wife….”

“…was being driven in his parents’ Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, when he was abducted with the driver.” News: Sport-Utility (adjectival) Vehicle.

“…after the governor’s executive phone-in programme at (on) the station’s premises, yesterday.”

“These are strong words, and indeed a ‘vote of no confidence’ on (in) judicial officers by the head of that institution.”

“Meanwhile the level of crimes and the unbridled looting of the public treasury are in (on) the ascendancy.”

“Our constitution happily (how?) guarantee (guarantees) fair hearing at all times in all cases….”

From Leadership of April 19 come the next rot and other blunders that follow: “…both the spirit and letters of the law in any way.” All the Fact, All the Sides: the spirit and the letter of the law.

“The vicious circle is literarily complete…..” Education as I see it: The vicious circle is literally complete…. I hope you know that ‘vicious circle’ and ‘vicious cycle’ are both correct.

“New FUTA students’ leaders sworn-in” Campus News: sworn in (phrasal verb—no hyphenation).

“Against the backdrop of the 2nd All African Junior Golf Tournament in Abuja….” Sport: 2nd All-Africa Junior Golf Tournament in Abuja

”PENGASSAN charges government on oil theft vandalisation” Business & Finance: vandalism (not ‘vandalisation’)!

“My suggestion, therefore, is that our National Assembly members should tow (toe) the line of

reason.” (THE PUNCH, April 6)

“This is because of the numerous restraints, both social and economical (economic), which is (are) associated with the day to day (day-to-day) life of a convict.” (DAILY CHAMPION, April 6)

”…especially those public officers who remain suspect with regards (regard) to their qualifications and credibility to hold public offices.” (Nigerian Tribune, April 6) Alternatively, as regards their qualifications….

“The nation has (had) in the past pardoned and forgiven it’s (sic) past leaders and citizens who committed one offence or the other (or another).” (Leadership, April 6)

“Such citizens had since been integrated back (reintegrated) into the system.” (Source: as above)

“A recent summit in Kaduna on education in the northern states provided the appropriate forum to revisit, once again….” (THE PUNCH, April 6) ‘Revisit’ cannot co-function with ‘again’.

“Gone are the days when government can (could) go it alone.” (THE GUARDIAN, April 6)

“Infact (In fact) every (all) loving parents....” (DAILY CHAMPION, April 6)

“In the agricultural sector, the two countries can learn a lot from one another (each other).” (Nigerian Tribune, April 6)

“Bribery enthrones mediocrity and crucify merit.” (Source: as above) The Tabernacle of bribery crucifies merit.

“Gang up against Jonathan will fail” (NIGERIAN Tribune Front Page Headline, 15 April) Phrasal verb: gang up; noun: gang-up (which applies here).

“We were treated to another similar incidence.…” All newspapers should know the difference between ‘incidence’ and ‘incident’ (which applies here).

“Although the governor’s last minute romance with the main opposition party is held against him.…” Saturday People: last-minute (take note of the hyphen) romance.

“Thus, a core investor…with regards to optimal use of the machinery.…” (THE GUARDIAN, April 12) Either: as regards or with regard to….

When A ‘Spirit’ Matures

Ihad planned to write a general article, as usual, to celebrate all those born in March and April which I normally tag “Felicitations: My (whatever the month) People”...even more so when I realised that today, 29 April, is also the birthday of the man I consider the most philanthropic Nigerian alive, and truly the richest African whose span, spirit and splendour in riches, assets, wealth and receivables are unfathomable to the chroniclers of westernstyled documented wealth, Forbes magazine. I believe the avalanche of richly deserved tributes and praises, in editorial and advertorial deluge, would make our contribution to that adulatory expanse a drop in the ocean. Thus buttresting my argument for something different, and an angle more panoramic and diverse.

Yet, I could not get it out of my system the itch that this enigmatic man of staggering benevolence and incredible propensity to accomplish and establish economic and strategic alliances, edifices and corporate organisations with almost somnolent rapidity…actually deserves the full throttle of our felicitations…even when he makes no demands on you. This new strain of thought is further electrified by the fact that years ago…about 17 years ago we were a shocked beneficiary of his benevolence - and in all those years he has not permitted an opportunity to say “thank you, sir” for the timely and hugely appreciated kind gesture.

Yoruba would say “Yinni Yinni, kale se mi…” (express your gratitude, that you may receive another favour). This aphorism flies in the face of this man’s taciturnity and deliberate disavowal of any preening sap of thanksgiving…a truly strange human being. Nevertheless, we have had to jettison our earlier plan, kowtowing to the urgent need to thank him for his divinely inspired blast of generosity…at a time when it seemed God was no longer in the business of answering prayers.

Over a decade ago, I published my quasiautobiography titled ‘Lifelines: A Slice of My Life’ (2011) wherein I wrote on page 57 thus:

“... In mid 2006, my wife and I made a vow… that if God turned our misfortune around for the better; that if God reversed the leaking drainages depleting our finances; we would do all in our power to tell others, beg others, explain to others and pool resources with others, so that we all can be Angels of Hope to Nigerian children - irrespective of tribes, tongues, religions, circumstances and backgrounds.

Three months after that vow, my wife’s condition was identified, corrected and maintained effectively - now she’s robust, agile and more beautiful than ever.

Six months after that vow, when all hope seemed lost…when it seemed our dead bones would never rise again… by divine orchestration, God raised two people to help us in our business - to at least have a fighting chance of surviving in the punishing environment of magazine publishing.”

Those “two people” blithely mentioned in that line gave instructions that their philanthropy should be seen and addressed as anonymous - I believe one of them was instigated by our long-time friend, colleague and brother, Dele Momodu. Perhaps, reading our humanitarian efforts and vision for “helpless children”, that was when the big man struck!

Of course, we are ‘talking’ of the man born as Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga whose broad shoulders carry the weight of the continent as he burrowed into crannies, caves and concourses of many nations to dig out wealth for the benefit of not just his immediate or extended families, but across and around Nigeria, and Africa generally.

Surely, several papers of today (and you must have noticed in the many days before now) and days after, would be filled with Adenuga’s impressive and outstanding accomplishments in business, education, manpower development, social interventions, prodigious philanthropy, and his immaculate business acumen and incredible work ethics. Go and read, and be inspired. Here, it is all about how he touched us, our home, vision and business.

Sometime in the middle of the 90s, Adenuga’s

top aides, Niyi Adewunmi (now a pastor) and Biodun Azeez would arrange a quarterly parley with publishers of the major general interest magazines thriving then. Their goal was to sustain a level of mutual understanding of the business and humanitarian visions of the man now dubbed the ‘Spirit of Africa’. They wanted a rapprochement that would respect the privacy of the individual and would provide a verifiable window for fair hearing and direct attribution on stories that would ordinarily be tucked under “all efforts to get reaction proved abortive”. We chatted over drinks and restaurant meals, discussing their company’s media relations projections and plans. It ran for a few years until I stopped getting invitations to the parley. I later heard that some of my friends thought that one had started “carrying religion on the head”, and was not disposed to such gatherings any longer. So, that line dithered, and withered.

Until one that day in December of 2006 when Bode Opeseitan, a close aide to the Otunba, called that “the chairman” had something for me. I was at once stunned and thrilled. First, like the spirit Momodu described as many years later, he would only see you if he wanted to, and years of absence or silence does not mean he has forgotten you, or your craft. He is besotted with excellence in any field: apparently, he has a soft spot for those with mastery of the written and spoken art. He is also a consummate storyteller, an avid reader and a meticulous writer. How he achieves and sustains that with the myriad of activities, interventions, supervisions and interjections he has to muster across multiple businesses and companies makes you wonder if he is indeed a human being. Yet he is 70 today…and is still irrepressible!

Well, back to my story: on reaching his Oko Awo office complex, I was promptly and warmly ushered into a large office. A large bag was brought to which contained a short note, a card with a sprawling signature, and an envelope containing a thank you letter (he was thanking me! Amazing.) And a cheque. I asked to sit for

“In the heydays of the goggled General when fuel was often unavailable…” (THE GUARDIAN, April 20) Stranglehold of oil workers: heyday (uncountable).

“Last year, many houses of the Igbo in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, were razed down.…” (THISDAY, April 20) No word abuse: simply razed (not razed down). Discard the contrary views by some registers!

Yet another headline gaffe: “Restrictions on inter-bank foreign exchange trading is (are) killing the market.”

“Armed robbers now have good company–street thugs and unofficial vigilante groups.” (THE GUARDIAN, April 20) Democracy as a disincentive: vigilance group.

“Buhari points accusing fingers at INEC….” People in the news: Buhari points the finger. No obtuse addition.

“Nigeria is at a crossroad” (VANGUARD, April 20) Fixed expression: at a/ the crossroads.

“Stationeries badly needed by.…” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 20) ‘Stationery’ is non-count.

“But what appears criminal is the desire of these off-springs of.…” (DAILY CHAMPION, April 20) ‘Offspring’ does not take any inflection.

The next three goofs are from VANGUARD of April 20: ”…the process of economic integration from which will emerge an economic block (bloc).…”

“There is a tussle going on between these two (would it have been three?) arms of government.”

“Nigerian leaders and politicians have continued to adopt and acquiesce to (in).…”

“Globacom sets (set) to rule domestic market” (Nigerian Tribune, April 20)

“I have been briefed that the wrangling among the leaders of PDP are (is) over.” (SUNDAY VANGUARD, April 23)

BusinessDay of April 20 disseminated an embarrassing impropriety: “Now that the Police has (have) taken over the supervision of the….”

fajalive1@gmail.com

08033622806- (SMS Only)

a few moments, and then demanded to see the Chairman, so I could express my thanks. I was told, not surprisingly though, that he was not available, but had wished me well… that I should remain strong. I didn’t know how I got home between Oko Awo (Victoria Island) and my makeshift office in Dopemu. Suffice to say the cheque was slightly bigger than all we garnered in starting the three magazines I have directly published in my life).

For many weeks, I pestered his staff to pass my gratitude in well crafted notes, and long missives about the blessings of God for a man abundantly blessed, and who has continued to bless and boost people and businesses all over the continent. It never happened.

Otunba Mike Adenuga…if you get to read this article…we thank you for what you did for us 17 years ago…and (you must be tired of hearing this)...and for what you continue to do for your culture, your state, your nation and your continent…including the monumental and often stupendous generosity you show to friends, acquaintances and complete strangers whose foibles and anguish touch a chord in you…to stretch forth a massive helping hand…again and again. Your years will continue to be a testimony of honour, a tapestry of inspiration and a global index of a uniquely magnificent specie divinely planted in a wan and weary nation…to give life…salve wounds…lift broken spirits…mend crooked systems…and soar over adversity and diversity as the authentic spirit of the African experience. Happy 70th Birthday. Congratulations!

PS: We also plan to serenade Otunba Apesin of Ijebuland on our two-hour programme, The Vintage Talkshow... with the FAJ - at TopRadio (90.9 FM) from 7am...as top celebrities, media gurus, etc., share their peculiar experiences with the man of the moment.

POLITY

The Goddess of Governance Has Been Unfair to Nigerians

Eddie Mbadiwe

This is written after a sober reflection on goings on in Nigeria. In the early sixties when we were undergraduates at the University of Ibadan, Malcolm X an American Muslim Minister and a civil rights activist gave a lecture at the Trenchad Hall. It was a surprise that hall did not collapse considering the sheer quantum of students and staff that filled every available space. Some of us had to hang in there by the window literally by a thread. Even the famous Havana dance did not attract such a crowd. Malcolm X was literally on fire and jolted our spirits greatly.

One of the takeaways from that event is that “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Every nation that has made change has activists. Nigeria achieved independence on October 1st 1960. Ghana had her independence on March 6th 1957. Ghana’s independence was facilitated by a visionary leader Osajefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who was not just a nationalist but also a Pan Africanist with a vision for a great Africa - having with Ghana – Guinea and Mali as the nucleus of a perfect union. That was also the birth of the Black Star which is up till today the Ghanaians image.

Ghanaians bestrode the world donned with their Kente - gloth come winter or summer they stood very tall in the committee of nations. There is a yawning gulf before a country can transform to a nation. 63 years after independence, Nigeria is yet to take that giant step. At independence Nigerians knew that a country was born but a nation was not born.

Every true leader must have a clear road route map of how to do this. When Lew Kwan Yew came to power in Singapore, he recruited a group of men who abolished family ties, sectionalism and petty tribalism. They swore to a certain set of principles. Anybody who derailed was immediately sent packing.

Their first action was to go back to school in the best universities in the world. Lew went to Cambridge and Harvard and got additional certificates. He was already a lawyer.

To produce a nation from a country a certain minimum level of education is a sine-quan-non. A minimum level of education is unavoidable and this must be borne by the state.

Out of the many bills I introduced to the parliament, one makes education compulsory and mandatory up to SS3 for all citizens. Any defaulting parents risked immediate imprisonment. It is only after this that we can start talking of nation hood. This may take another twenty-five years. The second bill which is equally important is that elected legislators cannot flip-flop on the floor of the house without going back to their

constituencies to renew their mandate. Only the brave can accept this gauntlet and they alone must be allowed dancing places in the public square. Let us just have one example;

An American G.I. Soldier was arrested in Paris for an infraction. He was taken to the police station and was placed behind the desk. After being behind the desk for 45 minutes, he walked to the desk officer and demanded to know what was going on. He shouted at the desk officer; “Washington is watching with interest what you guys are fu**ing up around there. Meanwhile, the American State Department was exploring every avenue and before midnight the G.I. was released. That is what citizens of a nation expect.

Every mass shooting in America has attracted Joe Biden’s physical presence. If he did not visit, the next day he will ensure that a high-powered delegation was sent to provide succor.

In the last eight (8) years, thousands of Nigerian citizens have been abducted, murdered, raped and rendered homeless. That essential soothing balm called empathy almost dried up 8 years ago in Aso Rock.

The goddess of good governance failed to install people who can speak naked but blunt truth to power. The goddess of good governance unfortunately missed Nigeria when distributing empathy. We demand this be rectified.

Another area where Nigerians were denied good governance is in the area of corruption. One does not steal from one’s self. The amounts of money people stole and converted to their personal use is mind boggling. Rasheed Bawa who is the EFCC boss has a daunting job. His early training at the Government Secondary School Owerri must have strengthened his broad shoulders.

The courts trying corruption cases are excruciatingly slow and one sometimes wonders if Jerry Rawlings style in Ghana will not help sanitize this festering rut.

The 10th Assembly should look holistically at the entire election before a potentially great country is destroyed. They must undertake a forensic audit of the entire electoral farce.

There have been occasionally flashes of leadership brilliance but they are far too few to produce noticeable change.

A narrow snap shot must mention the likes of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa whose simplicity is out of this world. Murtala Mohammed but his regime was truncated too early so we cannot have a proper assessment. Tunde Idiagbon who introduced WAI (War Against Indiscipline). This would have been the foundation to build a Nigerian nation and a step to good manners. Again Tunde died in circumstances still unexplained.

This author knows that KARMA is real and does work. Those who think they can go scot-free with all the stupendous

wealth hidden in secret places should plant this in their psyche and have a mental rebirth.

If karma by-passes you accidentally now, know that your future generations must pay the price. That is fact. As with Karma everybody writes their epitaph on a daily basis. The choice you make depends on you completely.

Jega wrote his and it is not flattering. After the sham circus of Mahmud Yakubu’s election which Nigerians still have to recover from, Mahmud’s epitaph will be very difficult to write.

Post script “Franklin Roosevelt who suffered from polio but still made such impact on America, I leave you with his words; “Unless democracy is based on the principle of service by everybody who claims the enjoyment of any rights it is not democracy at all”.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe writes from Abuja.

Igwe Stresses Need for Traditional Food Study Centre

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

The 80th Inaugural Lecture of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered by Prof Ernest Chukwusoro Igwe on Thursday, April 20, 2023 was all-consuming. Igwe, a Professor of Food Processing Chemistry and Animal Products, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, UNIZIK, delivered a profound lecture on the topic: “In-built Quality Controls in Traditional Food Processing, Sociocultural Food Practices and Food Politics: Catalysts or Inhibitors to Traditional Foods Processing Industry in Nigeria?”

The Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, who was the chairman of the occasion, highlighted the crucial intercourse of town and gown via inaugural lectures, and commended Prof Igwe as a distinguished former Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture who deserves celebration for his multiform initiatives and drive in the foundational subject of food industry.

The inaugural lecture which had a worldwide audience through Zoom started out on an entertaining note when, in the course of reading Prof Igwe’s citation, it was noted that the esteemed scholar had aliases such as Omekannaya (He who achieves like his father) and Onye-nwanyi-egbughi (A man who is not killed by a woman). Prof Igwe’s beautiful wife who was on hand with their new baby, Sam-Ben, informed all that a man not killed by a woman shall enjoy a long life! Prof Igwe added the funny dimension that a man not killed by a woman is missing something!

The UNIZIK Inaugural Lecture Committee thus paved the way for Prof Igwe to deliver his refreshing thoughts on “In-built Quality Controls in Traditional Food Processing, Sociocultural Food Practices and Food Politics: Catalysts or Inhibitors to Traditional Foods Processing Industry in Nigeria?”

Prof Igwe began the six-section lecture with the information that “the Biafran-Nigerian civil war was a negative turning point in the life and times of Ernest Igwe.” Born on July 16, 1962, he “could not start pre-primary education as and when due because of the unfortunate Nigeria-Biafra war.” His family was resident in Umuahia, the then Biafra capital which fell to the Federal forces thus forcing the

Igwes to flee home to Achalla, Umuchu in Aguata LGA of present-day Anambra State.

After taking his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he started his lecturing career at the then Federal University of Technology, Yola in 1993 before transferring to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Of course he took his doctorate degree along the line.

Prof Igwe states that his reasons for the study of traditional foods, sociocultural food practices and food politics are legion. He is as ever determined to tackle huge post-harvest losses in Nigeria. There is “the understanding that people in Biblical and Pre-Biblical times not only lived longer but also lived healthier lifestyles.” It calls for attention “that the first four premier universities in Nigeria were established from proceeds from sale of agricultural produce as follows: University of Nigeria (Palm produce); Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, (Groundnut); University of Ife (Cocoa) and University of Lagos (Palm, Cocoa and Groundnut produce).

Prof Igwe puts his searchlight on the food processing industry and the concomitant preservation.

Traditional food plants and animals are duly analysed while food quality control and food safety are dissected. The evaluation of in-built quality control in traditional food processing in Nigeria is of course a major highlight. Diligent attention is given to sociocultural food practices affecting food quality and safety in Nigeria. In the charged field of food politics, Prof Igwe addresses conspiratorial politics of suppression of growth of Nigeria’s traditional foods. He does not pull any punches in dealing with what he calls “a neo-colonial mentality syndrome of inferiority of Nigeria’s traditional foods.”

Prof Igwe takes to task the persisting rivalry among professional groups and among Government MDAs. He condemns the “manifest lack of seriousness on policy directions by Nigerian leaders on the nation’s traditional food industry.”

He asserts that the “Nigerian government and her leaders through conscious and unconscious acts have been the greatest inhibitor to the growth of the nation’s traditional food industry.” He damns “the neo-colonial mentality that puts imported foods as being superior to Nigerian traditional foods.” It remains a cause for concern that NAFDAC does not have a formal database of statistics of traditional foods in Nigeria. He cites some Nigerian traditional foods that have in-built quality control to ensure safety such as fermented milk Kindirmo, Sobo, traditional soups, gari etc.

Prof Igwe recommends that the Federal Government should split NAFDAC into Drugs and Food and Water sections. He advises the government to stop “the bigotry of supremacy of health professionals’ over-and-above food professionals.”

He put it to the appreciative Vice-Chancellor Esimone that it’s time to establish a centre for traditional food study. The deteriorating situation in Nigerian universities irks Prof Igwe as he now sees them as Ivory Towers without the Ivory.

He makes the strong case that Nigerian traditional foods should be called by their native names first such as Ukwa before being baptized as Breadfruit! He would rather want Table Water as opposed to Pure Water that turns out to be Pure Cholera! The Inaugural Lecture featured academic procession and the decoration of the Inaugural Lecturer by Vice-Chancellor Esimone. Prof Igwe showered deserving appreciation on his mentor, Prof P.O. Ngoddy, who was present beaming beatifically at the robust presentation of his mentee.

Biden

POLITY

Price Review: Why Only MultiChoice?

Atanda Emajake

I“t is not their fault. It is the fault of the government, which allows foreigners to rip Nigerians off.” I got this off the comment section of a major newspaper website as one of the numerous responses to a story on the just announced tariff review effective 1 May by MultiChoice Nigeria, the pay television firm. It is, unsurprisingly, a major trope of the reactions to the price adjustments.

Shortly after, a story appeared on my Facebook newsfeed. The story said the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), perceived these days as an agglomeration of unserious campus minds, issued a seven-day ultimatum to MultiChoice to immediately implement pay- as-you-view tariff model or risk closure of its offices nationwide. NANS claimed to have spoken the “mind of all Nigerians”, something on the same street as false consensus.

Small beer, that. Of real importance is why we are triggered only by MultiChoice’s price reviews, which drive us into the type of rage that narrows the eyes into slits and leaves the corners of the mouth with flecks of spittle. StarTimes, another player in the pay television sector, adjusted prices on its packages, effective 14 May. For logically obscure reasons, NANS did not threaten closure of its offices. Neither did anyone blame the government for its tariff adjustments.

StarTimes’ reason for adjusting prices is soaring operational costs, making the retention of the same rates for its services impossible. MultiChoice’s reason for doing the same, as it stated in its communication to subscribers, is not different. I want the prices of all goods and services, including pay TV services, to remain as stable as a rock in a windstorm, a wish I suspect is shared by every consumer and goods and services providers. But can they, given local economic dynamics? Only believers in magic would think this possible. I am not one for magic or fantasy.

The latest National Bureau of Statistics’ (NBS) consumer price index (CPI), which tracks the rate changes in prices of goods and services, shows a climb to 22.04 percent in March 2023 from 21.91 percent in February, marking a third consecutive

surge in the country’s inflation figure this year.

“On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.13 percent points higher compared to the rate recorded in March 2022 which was 15.92 percent,” said the NBS.

This indicates that the headline inflation rate (yearon-year basis) increased in March 2023 compared to the same month in 2022.

“However, on a month-on-month basis, the all-items index in March 2023 was 1.86 percent, which was 0.15 percent points higher than the rate recorded in February 2023 (1.71 percent),” NBS added.

Prices of food items (more crucial to survival than pay TV services) in March 2023 rose to 24.45 percent on a year-on-year basis, 7.25 percent points higher compared to the rate recorded in March 2022.

The value of the naira to the dollar, the currency in which pay television companies buy programming content, broadcast transmission facilities and other inputs, has gotten progressively weaker in recent years. The naira currently trades at N740 to one dollar. Similarly, there have been progressive hikes in electricity tariffs, prices of diesel and petrol as well as air fares, leaving businesses gasping and provoking a protracted cost of living crisis. These have attracted no widespread disapproval.

It is pertinent to ask, I believe, if MultiChoice is insulated against the harsh local economic conditions, a reason we seem to think it should freeze prices, while other businesses can increase. I am a Heineken drinker. My favourite brew cost N500 two years ago. It is now N1,000 per bottle in my down-market bar. It will, of course, cost more in upscale leisure spots. Same content and number of bubbles! Catfish pepper soup, Heineken’s most appropriate accompaniment (by my reckoning), now costs N4,000 per plate. It was N2,500 until well after the Covid-19 lockdown. What has happened is that beer, pepper soup retailers as well as other businesses have been victims of local economic conditions and have responded the way businesses respond to the situation.

I would expect the nuclear blast of public disapproval of MultiChoice’s decision is directed towards airlines, power distribution companies, sellers of food and other household items, which are businesses like MultiChoice. It most probably will not happen. I can only offer guesses why. An arm of the government, specifically the National Assembly (NASS), continues to miseducate Nigerians by pretending that it does not know that local

economic factors have a major say in the pricing of pay TV services. This, it does, through misguided, periodic investigations into MultiChoice’s prices and impotent resolutions to the company to freeze rates, in a pretendattempt to show support for the masses. It never issues orders to other providers in the sector or other sectors.

NASS adds saccharine to what it serves the public with intermittent demand for the adoption of a pay-perview or pay-as-you-go subscription model. In its bizarre world, it would bring down cost to the subscriber. This belief, thankfully, has been rubbished by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), whose helmsman, Babatunde Irukera, said the commission is yet to find a country in which that has been adopted. But the hard of hearing, possibly hard of thinking, NASS persists in selling fantasy. I would not be surprised if the incoming federal legislature reprises this when it is inaugurated.

Also, I think most Nigerians were raised to see television as something not to be paid for. There are TV stations that we do not have to pay for and if they meet our tastes, we can stick to them. Until the privatization of public utilities, notably water and electricity, we thought they should not be paid for at all or cost a pittance. Pay TV service, however, is no public utility. It is a private business, needing sustainability to offer value to consumers, investors and the general society.

Three, there is also the widespread assumption that Nigeria is a modern-day outpost of a communist society with strict price controls, the reason the government is urged to prescribe what MultiChoice charges. That demand for price legislation is not made on providers of other goods and services, curiously. MultiChoice, in my view, has shown consideration for the consumer by its price lock offer. This enables its DStv and GOtv subscribers to pay the old rates for one year if they renew before the expiration of their subscription. It also grants the same privilege to those who pay for a full year at once before the new rates kick in.

It is safe to say that unless local economic conditions improve dramatically, there is no chance of a dramatic drop in the prices charged by businesses. No chance. School fees and rents keep rising, for the same reasons. These and other costs, I believe, should be of more interest to the “it-is-the-fault-of-the-government” brigade, NANS and their ilk.

Emajake, a public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja

L-R: Country Manager, Paramount, Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson; Country Manager, MTV Staying Alive Foundation, Anita Adesiyan; Paramount Africa Culture Squad Member, Ilooise Omohimin; Team Lead,

L-R: The Vice Principal, Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College, Mrs. Odetayo Omotayo; Principal, Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College, Mr. Oluleye Ishola; Founder, Cuppy Foundation, Ms. Florence Otedola; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on SDGs, Mr. Lekan Fatodu;and Deputy Director, Office of SDGs and Investment, Mr. Sanusi Abdulateef, at the tour of Virtua l Science Laboratory donated by Cuppy Foundation at Jakande Comprehensive Senior College, Abesan, Ipaja, Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc. Mr. Samba Seye; winner of TotalEnergies Quartz Mega Promo, Mr. Patrick Okon; Chairman, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc. Mr. JeanPhillpe Torries; and the TotalEnergies Brand Ambassador, Austin J J Okocha at the prize presentation to the winner TotalEnergies Quartz Mega Promo, yesterday in Lagos…. SUNDAY ADIGUN

Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Empowerment Unit, Oyedija Temitope, and Project Manager, Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), Yeside Olayinka-Agboola at the MTV Shuga Naija Season 5 premiere event in Lagos…yesterday

L-R: Chief Executive, Budget Global Resources Ltd./Vice President, Association of Promotional Products Specialists of Nigeria (APPSON), Pastor Femi Oyeniyi; Commercial Consul, Chinese Consulate General Mr. Guo Pengwen; Group Managing Director/CEO, Tripple Gee and Company Plc. Mrs. Adebimpe Giwa; President, (APPSON)/MD CEO,Queensbidge, Mrs. Abiola Sanni; and the Managing Director/CEO, DCS Integrated Media Ltd. Mr. Tunde Obokhai at the International Paper, Publishing Printing Expo 2023, held in Lagos …yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

POLITY

Gov Abiodun’s 2nd Term and the Tasks Ahead

Femi Ogbonnikan

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State is set for his second term to be inaugurated in a couple of weeks time. As in every other level of government, his current ten- ure which is steadily running out has been as eventful as it is challenging. Within the last four years of the administration, the world recorded one of the most existential threats in human history-the COVID-19 pandemic.

If Nigeria was lucky to have recorded a relatively low death rate, it wasn’t so much so of the disruptive effect of the pandemic on the economy as the recession struck in two quick successions amidst the global downturn. Ogun State being part of the national economy had its fair share of the sour taste. And now that we have successfully weathered the storm, we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel with the new horizon. It is, therefore, imperative for us to put the trial behind us and reunite for a renewed hope of a better Nigeria as encapsulated in the agenda of the President-electAsiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

For us in Ogun State in particular, the work ahead of the Abiodun administration to actualise our collective desire to build a prosperous state for ourselves and for our children is hugely enormous and very challenging. There is no need to pretend about it. So, no Superman can do it all alone. It is a collective task that must be accomplished through the joint efforts of all the stakeholders regardless of party affiliations.

As the time to draw the curtain on the present administration is fast approaching, there is already a renewed commitment on the part of Governor Abiodun to bring the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of every citizen of the state. Of the present governors due to take another oath of office on May 29, Abiodun is one of the most accomplished. The record is there. He made the environment conducive for investment and industrial growth through the reformed ease-of-doing business, people-oriented infrastructure, ranging from roads, schools and affordable housing to healthcare service delivery peace and security.

Under him, the state witnessed the first cargo flight at the International Agro Cargo Airport at Illisan-Remo. When successfully completed possibly before the end of this year, according to projection, it will open a new vista of opportunities for economic and industrial transformation not only for Ogun State but the country at large.

His massive investment drive in affordable housing scheme for the residents as well as investors operating in the state also remains unparalleled. A good testimony to that is the recent Best Award in Housing received by the State at the 2023 Merit Award organised by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) at the International Confer-

ence Centre, Abuja, having defeated Lagos, Edo, Kaduna and Niger States. At the presentation of 2023 Ogun State Budget late last year, Governor Abiodun had boasted to have undertaken several housing projects, numbering 2,500 units in four major zones of the State, including Egba, Ijebu, Yewa and Remo, which he said, was unprecedented in the 47-year-old history of the State. This is no mean feat.

Yet, there are many more to show for the current tenure running out in other critical areas, like human capital development, accessible healthcare service delivery, youth empowerment, agro-allied investment as well as social welfare for the vulnerable segment of society.

Even with all these laudable achievements, Governor Abiodun is not at all taking the renewal of his mandate for granted. He is fully aware of the greater expectation lying ahead of his new administration and has promised to deliver on his electoral promises to the benefit of all and sundry. In unveiling his next line of action, he has reassured of his readiness to work with people from all walks of life, including the opposition to make the state greater than it is today. The existence of opposition is an essential tenet of a multiparty democracy which is critical for good governance when there is constructive engagement. However, it becomes an anathema where the players wittingly or unwittingly resort to disruptive tendencies as a way of ventilating their grievances whether genuine or frivolous.

This is where the governorship candidate of the PDP, Oladipupo Adebutu, and his co-supporters need to do a thorough introspection of their activities since the conduct of the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state. For being discontent with the outcome of the election, we have seen

organized protests; we have seen intimidation, we have seen unrestrained vituperations, and even direct bullying of the judiciary.

This is not the right way to go. You cannot build something on nothing. The disruptive tendency is not the right way to grow our democracy. Yes, the Constitution permits aggrieved candidates to approach the court to seek redress and the tribunals have been constituted to look into the various petitions alleging manipulation of the election results. Concerned individuals should be civil enough to allow justice to take its course, instead of resorting to unfounded accusations, peddling lies against the government as well as incisive statements capable of causing disaffection within the populace.

All this is an invitation to chaos. It is a metaphor for anomie. In simple words, anomie defines a lack of ethical standards in an individual or group. It is a situation of absolute disorderliness. No society can thrive under a state of normlessness. And we do not pray to slide into the abyss.

At this time, Ogun State has a lot to benefit from the incoming administration of the President-elect-Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if only we will give the governor enough peace of mind and the needed support to be able to take full advantage of the potential mutual synergy that is expected between the state and the power at the centre. Therefore, more than any other time in the past, the new incoming administration of Governor Abiodun needs the trust and confidence of the people in order for him to be able to nurture his developmental agenda to fruition for the good of all.

Abiodun, making a plea for support in his keynote address at a Special Ramadan Iftar lecture with the theme: “Trust, an Indispensable Tool for National Development” recently held at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, promised to continue to leverage the trust his administration had built between the citizens, on one hand, and the private sector, on the other hand.

“Trust, as the Guest Lecturer has shared with us is an indispensable tool for national development. We as a government, having re-established trust between us and our citizens, will continue to sustain that trust in recognition of the fact that public office is a public trust, and gaining and sustaining that trust of our citizens is very fundamental to economic development.

“Today, the private sector has started partnering with our administration in building roads, special agro-processing zones, all other infrastructure, building schools with us, building primary health care centers with us, donating ambulances,

Before Chrisland is Sent to the Golgotha

Jide Alabi

Since Thursday, February 9th, 2023, when a young innocent Junior Secondary School student of Chrisland School, Lagos, Whitney Adeniran died in a controversial circumstance during the Annual Inter House-sport event of the school at Agege Stadium, I have resisted the urge to make contribution to the debate that trails the development for many reasons. Even on social media, I try as much as I can not to comment on the issue because of the emotional trauma I suffered like every other parent, who was personally thrown off balance because of the ugly happenstance.

For days, I was imagining how the parents of the promising young girl, who lost her life at prime, would feel. Of course, I also imagined the damage the death would do to the image and public perception of the Chrisland brand. Two months after, the accusations, counter-accusations, varied public views and government’s action on the matter have confirmed my worries. Mr. and Mrs Adeniran had lost their lovely daughter, Chrisland had lost its precious student and almost having its treasured brand smeared equity, teaching and non-teaching staffers of the school are temporarily jobless. Above all, students in their hundreds have since the government wielded its big stick, remain at home.

Expectedly, the situation at hand has attracted interventions from various stakeholders. Personally, I reneged on my earlier resolve not to utter a word over the issue because of the plea that is being made by individuals to the government to temper justice with mercy for the sake of other innocent students and their future. Yes, I’m still emotionally down over the issue but reality appears to have dawn on me on the need for the government and parents of our dear late daughter to pause and consider the havoc the continued lockdown of the school could cause the society.

Among other interventions, I stumbled on two contributions recently which spurred my curiosity and the need to call on other Nigerians to rise up and appeal to Lagos State

government and the Adenirans who lost their daughter. First, a nongovernmental organization, Human Right Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) was compelled to write to the Lagos State government based on a series of petitions parents of other students at Chrisland and ordinary members of the public it has received in recent time. Another intervention I found interesting was a published article by one Mallam Adams, a Sociology Lecturer at Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe State, who gave not only a sociological interpretation to the development but went a bit further to touch on the nitty-gritty of the entire scenario. His contribution moved me because it was coming from someone from the far north, who perhaps had no relationship or interest in the school.

I will speak to the issue raised by HURMA first. Like some of us who do not see the need for any right-thinking person to turn the matter to social media sensation, the organization lamented how some unscrupulous Nigerians, for God knows why, decided to be dancing on the grave of the young girl while her parents and management of Chrisland were still mourning.

“Unfortunately, as Chrisland School and Whitney parents were mourning the loss of their beloved student and daughter, some unscrupulous elements took advantage of the situation to feed people on the social media with various distorted versions of the inaccurate accounts of the incident that resulted in the death of Whitney Adeniran. This, to a large extent, actually added to the grief of Chrisland School, the parents, the deceased colleagues in school and Lagos State Government and also caused unwarranted outrage by the public, who only had access to the distorted social media news by self - serving fifth columnists,” the organization had stated.

To me, the furore generated by the circumstances that surrounded the death of the young girl would have been properly managed amongst the major parties concerned; Whitney’s parents, the school and the government, but for those that saw it as an opportunity to break the social media roof and become ‘celebrated influencers’. I keep asking myself if our people have suddenly relegated the place of humanity in the society.

I Think it would have made a lot of sense if Nigerians

empathized well with the parents of the innocent girl instead of turning the sad occurrence to a hot social media matter. By all this sensationalism, the wound caused by the death has refused to heal and the image of the revered Chrisland College is daily being battered. By implication, the destinies of many other students are being toyed with, because their school has remained under lock and key. The truth remains that no school, like Chrisland or any school at all, will ever want any of its students to die.

In line with the position of the NGO, irrespective of what the government feels Chrisland brand, the future of the other students is also my concern for letting in my voice. At this point, I think it will be laxity on my part if I fail to single out the state government for commendation. It would be recalled that the Lagos State Government recently showed its magnanimity towards students in terminal classes i.e. the J.S.S 3 and S.S.S 3 to resume back to school to allow them prepare for their upcoming examinations. Like those who have appealed to the government, I am also hereby humbly pleading that the whole school be opened and other students be allowed to resume back to school. The long stay at home by the students will amount to discrimination where their colleagues are in school learning while they are at home and being deprived of having access to basic education in breach of their fundamental right.

But for the recent independent findings and reports, many members of public wouldn’t have known that poor Chrisland equally put necessary facilities in place, including two nurses on standby, Red Cross Society members and a vehicle to be used in case of any issue to aid hitch free event of the day at the Agege Stadium where the ugly incident happened. Therefore, the death of Whitney was devoid of any human contribution or carelessness to warrant the prevention of other students from attending school because such a step will be tantamount to throwing away the baby with the bath water.

Abiodun

Alabi, a school proprietor writes from Ondo, Ondo State

Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Josh Maja

Propelling Bordeaux to Ligue 1

When Bordeaux was relegated to Ligue 2 last season, one of the first decisions the management of the club took in its effort to return to the French top flight was to bring back Nigeria international, Josh Maja from a loan spell at Stoke City.The decision has proven to be a master stroke.The Super Eagle 15 goals is propelling the Girondins’ return to Ligue 1 as they are second on the table with just eight games to go

Josh Maja on Monday night scored a brace as Bordeaux thrashed Grenoble 3-0 in the French Ligue 2 fixture to bring his league goal tally to 15 in 32 appearances this season.

The win took Bordeaux to second place on 59 points in the league table with eight games left and six behind Le Havre, on 65 points from the same number of games played.

The first two top teams after 38 league games gain promotion to Ligue 1.

French football expert, Clément Carpentier has praised the Super Eagles striker for his brace, stating that the young striker has been a formidable box player and goalscorer this season.

“It’s starting to be quite a few times this season that we say thank you, Josh Maja,” Carpentier said. “But we’ll say it!

“The young Nigerian striker scored another double against the Isérois, but above all, he allowed the Girondins de Bordeaux to break the Grenoble lock after 40 minutes of play and to launch the Bordeaux festival.

“A first fox goal at the far post, a second narrowly with a big shot in the skylight: two gestures like Josh Maja. Yes, he’s not the most flambouyant of Ligue 2 strikers, but what a formidable box player and goalscorer.

“We shouldn’t promise Josh Maja a lot, and it’s starting to make for a nice total of goals this season: he scored his 14th and 15th goals of the season in Ligue 2 on Monday evening. He is now the third top scorer in the championship.”

Bordeaux suffered relegation to Ligue 2 last season, but they are close to returning to the top-flight, and Maja has been crucial in their exploits.

The Super Eagles striker is indeed optimistic that his Bordeaux side will gain promotion to the French Ligue 1 this season.

Bordeaux were relegated from the Ligue 1

after picking up just 31 points from 38 games last season.

However, the club has had a great campaign in France’s second-tier. They sit second with 59 points, six points behind first-place Le Havre. But they also have Metz hotly on their heels with just a point less and eight games left.

Maja has been phenomenal for the Girondins this season, contributing 15 goals and five assists for his side.

The 24-year-old hitman scored twice for Bordeaux when they thrashed Grenoble 3-0 on Monday. And he believes that if they maintain the focus and keep churning out the results, they would secure promotion at the end of the season.

“We only think of ourselves. We know that if we win all the matches, we will go up,” Maja said per Girondins4ever.

“That’s the mentality, we don’t think about other teams. At home we know that the supporters are with us. So we have to start well, and we have to use that to our advantage”

“You have to keep the same state of mind, listen carefully to the coach, and play with confidence.

“That’s what makes the difference for me. And if we play like today, we will do things well.”

From next season, the teams in the Ligue 1 will be reduced from 20 to 18. This means that four teams will drop from the top-flight while only two teams will be promoted from the Ligue 2.

This means that Bordeaux have to be at the top of their game till the end of the season if they want an immediate return to the top flight. Maja would look to keep banging in the goals for his side to ensure Bordeaux can rub shoulders with the big boys of French football next season.

His 15 goals so far this season is one of the reasons keeping Bordeaux’s Ligue 1

promotion hopes alive, but Maja may not be part of the Girondins team if they eventually gain promotion to the French elite division next season after all, as Glasgow Rangers are waiting in the wings to cash in on the Super Eagle.

Maja’s named has been linked to the Ibrox Stadium as a key target ahead of the summer window as Manager Michael Beale looks to bolster his Rangers frontline.

He has been central to the club’s promotion hopes this season but the Bordeaux striker could be set to leave the club at the end of the season with Rangers amongst those most prominently linked.

This comes with the striker out of contract come the end of the season following an up-and-down stint in France, where the forward moved from Sunderland in 2019.

Loan stints at Fulham and Stoke City have broken up his spell on the continent, but this is the most consistent Maja Bordeaux have seen with the player showing why Rangers were linked under Steven Gerrard.

In an interview with 90 Football as per Girondins4ever, Maja spoke about the challenges of playing in Ligue 2, where every team they face gives “110%”.

As one of the biggest clubs in the league, Maja said that Bordeaux have a responsibility to be aggressive, to win games, and to dominate. He believes they have mostly achieved that this season, but acknowledges that the opposing teams will always give more against them than against the others.

Maja also talked about the physicality of the league, with defenders who are “bigger and stronger” than him. He said that his game is mostly based on intelligence and finding the right spaces, and that he has had to adapt to the demands of the league.

Despite the challenges, Maja is optimistic about Bordeaux’s chances of promotion this season. He said that the team has a long way to go to reach their objectives, but that they

will give their all.

“With the team, that’s what we have done this season, I think,” Maja said. “We have a long way to go to reach our objectives but we will give our all.

“With the team, that’s what we have done this season, I think… We have a long way to go to reach our objectives but we will give our all. I have the feeling that every team we face gives 110%. We are probably the biggest club in Ligue 2, so we have a responsibility to be aggressive, to win games and to dominate.

“What we have done most of the time this season. The opposing teams will always give more against us than against the others. So, we have to be in the game every week. Physically, it resembles the championships where I played.

“Of course, the defenders are bigger and stronger than me, so my game is mostly based on intelligence, finding the right spaces. It is certainly a difficult championship. Anyone can beat anyone, we gotta stay focused.”

The Nigerian forward is the top scorer for the French club but has had opportunities hard to come by with the Super Eagles.

He also emphasised the importance of maintaining their momentum and continuing their winning run after the international break.

“We must continue after the break,” Maja said. “It’s very good for the club; we won, we took the three points. We have to continue after the break. We are happy. For the rest, we have to continue in this good state of mind, in training, to hope to win even more.”

What is not however clear is whether Maja will remain in Bordeaux even if the club gained promotion with Spanish sidesAlmeria and Real Valladolid also lining up for his signature.

Rangers Hold on to Playoff Dream with Wikki Visit

Kunle Adewale

With 16 points from 15 matches and seven points short of the last Super Six qualification with five matches to go, Enugu Rangers dream of a playoff participation seems to be dwindling but the Flying Antelopes still have a fighting chance as they host Wikki Tourist in one of the MatchDay 16 fixtures.

Coming into this game, Enugu Rangers has picked up four points from the last five games, however Wikki Tourist’s defence will have to be at their best today if they’re to stop Rangers from scoring, as the Coal City side have never been goal shy in front of their home fans, scoring six goals in their recent home games. They have only failed to score in just one home game this season.

Rangers will be looking to keep up the momentum today against Wikki Tourist, having lost just one game in their last five.

There has been little to choose between the two teams. After 15 matches, Enugu Rangers have recorded three wins, seven draws and five losses to place eighth in the table with 16 scored points. Wikki Tourists on the other hand are having three wins, three draws and eight defeats, while occupying the 10th line in the table with 12 points to show for their effort.

Meanwhile, Rangers on Thursday, at the FIFA Goal Project Practice Pitch, Package ‘B’ of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, earned a passage to the Round of 32, 2023 NFF-Federation Cup Competition without kicking the ball in the Round of 64 as their opponent, Adamawa United F.C of Yola failed to show up for the fixture.

Top Scorers

After waiting for the mandatory time allowed and the Yola-based outfit did not make contact with the host F.A, the match was called off while the ‘Flying Antelopes’ used the period to play a practice match with an Abuja-based National Armature Division 1 side, Capital City F.C.

The encounter ended 1-0 in favor of the Enugu side with Samuel Pam scoring the only goal of the fixture midway into the second stanza.

Coach Abdul Maikaba, speaking later, said, “I think I am very happy with the situation we find ourselves in today. A damawa United failed to show up for this fixture without any communication. This situation will to a great extent help us in our weekend’s league fixture against Wikki Tourists F.C. which is a must-win for us.”

Kwara Utd Sing Survival Song on the Plateau

When the management of Kwara United unveiled Kabiru Dogo as the club’s Technical Adviser, two months ago, he was very optimistic of taking the club to the next level.

“I want to assure everybody that by God’s grace during our time, Kwara United will continue to progress and achieve more,” he said.

The former Wikki Tourists coach stated that his immediate goal was to ensure the club’s stability. He added the team was replete with experienced and young players who will be used to get results.

“What I met on the ground in the team is good. We only need to change their mentality, psyche them up and change their attitude towards work, and they are now responding well,” he had said.

However, after failing to record a win in Kwara Unted’s last five fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, the song on the lips of Dogo now is that of survival.

The Kwara United manager has admitted that his team need to fight for survival as the season approaches a decisive end.

The Harmony Boys are fighting to escape relegation from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Kwara United are winless in their last five NPFL fixtures.

Dogo’s side last recorded a win against El-Kanemi Warriors on matchday 10.

When Dogo took over the rein at Kwara United the team was occupying the eighth position on the

log of the with nine points from nine games after the first stanza of the league.

Interestingly, the team is still eighth with 13 points from 15 matches.

However, the tactician assured that the players are ready for the battle ahead.

“The most important thing for us now is to manage and survive. It’s a tough league,” he told and online newspaper.

“I believe we will get it right, manage and finish well; then, we can plan for another season. We just need the support of everyone involved to achieve this feat.”

Kwara United will take on Plateau United at their adopted home ground, the Akure Sports Complex today.

The disciplinary committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has overturned the verdict of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to deduct points from Remo Stars and Wikki Tourists.

The committee overruled the decision of the league management body in a hearing at the NFF headquarters in Abuja yesterday.

On April 5, Remo Stars were sanctioned with three points and three goals deduction over the alleged assault of Ndubuisi Ukah, the referee, in the dressing room — which led to the disruption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Gombe United.

IMC named Ekene Adams, Remo Stars general manager, as the alleged assaulter and thereafter banned him from all NPFL activities for the rest of the season, while the club was fined N1.2 million.

However, at the NFF hearing, the disciplinary committee adjudged that “there was no available evidence” for the alleged assault.

The body added that “the physical appearance and medical condition of Ekene as shown in the match day video — and as he appeared before the committee — revealed that he was on oxygen support and so may not have the capacity to raise a hand to hit or violently assault another as claimed by the referee”.

The committee then held that the initial ruling of points dedu ur match officials were assaulted during the game. It added that the club was fined a cumulative sum of N2.5 million.

The NFF disciplinary committee overruled the points deduction “for the want of evidence and further confirmation via (phone calls) by the match commis-

Kenneth Igboke of Rangers challenges Waheed Adebayo of Niger Tornadoes

Premier League Table

Liverpool Battle Tottenham in Top Four Last Minute Rally

With three wins in a bounce, Liverpool will continue their late push for a top-four finish as they welcome Tottenham to Anfield tomorrow, with the North Londoners also in the mix for a Champions League spot

Ryan Mason’s second managerial baptism of fire continues tomorrow afternoon, as Tottenham Hotspur travel to Anfield for a Premier League date with Liverpool.

The Lilywhites fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester United midweek, one day after the Reds also came from behind to defeat West Ham United 2-1. While immediately playing down his side’s chances of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification, Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp was otherwise filled with pride as his side recovered from a one-goal deficit to see off West Ham, albeit with a couple of scares along the way.

Cody Gakpo’s stunner and Joel Matip’s thunderous header cancelled out a sublime opener from Lucas Paqueta, although Jarrod Bowen had a strike ruled out for offside before the officials waved away vociferous protests for a late penalty against Thiago Alcantara for handball.

As David Moyes pulled no punches towards the end of the match, Klopp insisted that he understood his counterpart’s frustration while revelling in his side’s third successive Premier League win, which briefly propelled the Reds into sixth place in the table before they were bumped back down to seventh by Tottenham on Thursday.

With a seven-point gap to make up to Manchester United having played a game more than the Red Devils, Liverpool would still need nothing short of an end-of-season miracle to continue with the European big boys, but taking 11 points from the last 15 on offer means that Klopp’s side are still in position to earn some form of continental football, whether that be Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League.

The Reds scored at least twice for the fourth Premier League game in a row on Wednesday night, albeit while failing to keep a clean

sheet for a fourth match in succession, and Leeds United remain the only team to get the better of Liverpool at Anfield in the top flight this term - only Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United can better the Reds’ 34 points from 15 Premier League home games.

A penny for Daniel Levy’s thoughts as Man United raced into a 2-0 lead over Tottenham before the break on Thursday, as the Spurs faithful - some of whom will controversially be refunded for their miserable journeys to Newcastle - made their feelings towards the despised chairman very clear indeed.

However, whatever choice words Mason had for his dejected players at half time spurred Spurs on, and the Lilywhites entered the post-Cristian Stellini era with a creditable point as Pedro Porro and Son Heung-min responded to Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford’s earlier efforts.

While that hard-earned draw will give Mason something to build on, it has done little to boost Tottenham’s fleeting hopes of breaking into the top four, lying fifth in the rankings and six points worse off than Man United, who have a pair of games in hand.

Thursday’s game was still a considerable improvement from their 6-1 mauling at the hands of Newcastle United, but a sevengame run without a clean sheet makes for grim reading before a taxing trip to Anfield, and the visitors are winless in seven successive away fixtures since overcoming Preston North End in January’s FA Cup tie.

Furthermore, Liverpool’s 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November extended the Lilywhites’ winless run against the Reds to 11 matches since their 4-1 demolition job in October 2017, but they came away from Anfield with a 1-1 draw last season - a slice of the spoils would do neither top-four outsider the world of good this time around,

though.

Meanwhile, fresh from crushing title rivals Arsenal in midweek, Manchester City will resume their pursuit of a fifth Premier League crown in six seasons when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side find themselves two points behind the Gunners with two games in hand, while Marco Silva’s men occupy 10th place in the Premier League table.

Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Tuesday, Fulham are now mathematically safe from relegation and can start planning for another season in the top flight.

Having experienced three promotions and two relegations across the past five years, Fulham gained a reputation as a yo-yo club, but they have adapted to the demands of the Premier League this time around.

In fact, the Cottagers looked set to challenge for European football when they returned from the World Cup break in blistering form, securing six wins in nine matches to climb as high as sixth in the table.

Although Fulham’s performances have dipped since then – with five defeats coming in their previous seven outings, Silva’s men will be hopeful of ending the campaign on a high note and cementing a top-half finish.

It is no surprise that Fulham’s downturn in form has coincided with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh, as the key striker scored 11 goals in 21 league appearances before his suspension.

Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal was billed as the title decider, but Guardiola’s men turned the contest into an annihilation, humiliating their rivals with a dominant 4-1 victory in front of the Etihad faithful.

Kevin De Bruyne bagged a brace in the rout, while John Stones added to Arsenal’s misery, and there was also time for Erling Haaland to score in second-half stoppage time,

PREMIER LEAGUE

LA LIGA

Head to Head

27/10/19 Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham 11/01/20 Tottenham 0-1 Liverpool 16/12/20 Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham

netting his 33rd Premier League goal of the campaign to break the record for a 38-game season.

Man City have now won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions, scoring a whopping 45 goals along the way, with the only draw in that sequence coming at the Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Better still, Manchester City carry a 17-match unbeaten streak into Sunday’s clash, having notched 14 wins and three draws since their last loss.

With an FA Cup final on the horizon and a Champions League semi-final showdown with Real Madrid just around the corner, Guardiola’s side will be eager to strengthen their treble hopes with another positive result this weekend.

Mo Salah’s brace helped Liverpool defeat Tottenham 2-1 in the first leg

Villarreal Sweating over Chukwueze’s Fitness ahead of Celta Vigo Showdown

Villarreal are sweating over the fitness of Nigerian winger

Samuel Chukwueze after it was suspected that he suffered an ankle injury in the 4-2 win over Espanyol on Thursday night.

Chukwueze, who also recorded his 200th appearance for the club, was instrumental as the Yellow Submarine ended their two-match winless run.

Chukwueze entered the history books as the youngest Villarreal player to reach 200 appearances in all competitions.

The 23-year-old linked up with the Yellow Submarine from Diamond Football Academy in 2018.

The Nigeria international has scored 37 goals for Villarreal.

The winger made 148 appearances in LaLiga, nine in the UEFA Champions League, 20 in the UEFA Europa League, nine in the UEFA Europa Conference League and 14 in the Copa del Rey.

The Super Eagles star has

been one of the standout performers for Villarreal this season, particularly since the arrival of Coach Quique Setien.

Chukwueze has recorded 11-goal contributions (6 goals and five assists) in the Spanish La Liga this season. According to Spanish news outlet, Mundo Deportivo the right winger suffered the injury during Thursday night’s encounter and will have to undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury.

Algeria 2023: Golden Eaglets Launch Campaign against Zambia in Constantine

Five-time world champions, Nigeria will begin her quest for honours at this year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations when they take on their Zambian counterparts in the Algerian city of Constantine on Sunday evening.

The Golden Eaglets flew into Constantine on Tuesday night, after MRI tests conducted on the 26 players in Algiers following their arrival in the North African country from Egypt.

Nigeria, two-time winners of the continental championship, have won the world titles in 1985 (China), 1993 (Japan),

2007 (Korea Republic), 2013 (United Arab Emirates) and 2015 (Chile).

The Confederation of African Football launched the U17 event as a tournament in Mali in 1995, with the Golden Eaglets finishing behind rivals Black Starlets of Ghana. The Eaglets did not qualify for the 1997 finals, and lost out in the group phase in Guinea in 1999.

Nigeria were champions of the 4th CAF U17 Tournament in Seychelles in 2001, easily defeating Burkina Faso 3-0 in Victoria. The Golden Eaglets won again in Togo in 2015, and went

Mavericks Group Turnout at Orodje of Okpe Golf Tourney Excites Aghogho

Former Captain, Sapele Athletic Club Golf Section, Okakuro Gilbert Aghogho has expressed his excitement at the turnout of members of BCGS Mavericks Kitty Group at the just concluded Orodje of Okpe Golf Tournament at Sapele Town, Delta State.

Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba, IBB Golf and Country Club, FCT, Arsenal Golf Club, Owerri, Ikeja Golf Club and many other clubs.

on to win the FIFA World Cup in Korea Republic.

The last time the Golden Eaglets met Zambia at this level was in 2015 in Niger Republic, when Nigeria triumphed 3-1 in Niamey with two of the goals from Victor Osimhen, who would go on to become the record goalscorer at the FIFA U17 World Cup (with 10 goals) as Nigeria won a fifth global title in Chile later that year. Interestingly, Zambia’s goal was scored by Patson Daka, who would go on to dazzle at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations hosted and won by his country two years later.

32 International Runners Jostle for $55,000 Abuja International Marathon Money

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The maiden edition of the Abuja International Marathon (AIM) holds Saturday with 32 international athletes from Uganda, Ethiopia, Bahrain, Kenya among other countries eyeing the $55,000 prize money of the full 42 kilometres Full Marathon race. They will be complemented by over 100 local athletes.

The 42 Km Full Marathon is billed to start at the Abuja City Gate to end at Eagle Square.

Apart from the Full Marathon Race, there are also the 10 kilometre family race and five kilometres race open to only students who are still in schools.

The family race begins at Wuye Round About-Berger point while the student race starts at Sani Abacha Barracks.

The Tournament Director, Olukayode Thomas said a prize money totaling N3million stands to be won by the local runners with the bulk of it going to the students, who

can produce evidence that they are in school.

He projected the Abuja International Marathon to be a money spinning asset for the Federal Capital Territory in the next five years in the mould of Lagos International Marathon, which started in 2016 and is now considered a global asset valued at over N5 billion.

The Director of Sports FCT Lukas Istifanus urged Abuja residents to troop out in large number and cheer the runners.

Okowa Elected CAA Vice President in Zambia

The President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa has been elected as one of the Vicepresidents of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) at the congress in Lusaka, Zambia. Okowa, who is the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, had earlier in the year,

elected as President of the CAA Zone 2 at an election held in Accra, Ghana.

At the CAA election in Lusaka on Thursday, Cameroun’s Kakalba was reelected as President, while Gen Tuwei of Kenya also retained his as first Vice.

The Monarch golf tournament sponsored by Seplat Energy teed-off with over 150 golfers from Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS), UBTH Golf Club, Edo State; Ogunu Golf Resort, Warri;

The former Captain who could not hide his feeling was impressed with the show of sportsmanship exhibited by Mavericks Kitty Group led by Lawson Ugiagbe, and other golfers at the event, adding that it showed the kind of respect and love

they have for the monarch. Earlier on, the monarch, HRM Orhue 1, Major Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (rtd.) during the ceremonial tee-off thanked the Club Captain, Alexander Verhees and his Committee members as well as the club members for organising another wonderful event. He equally thanked the management of Seplat Energy for sponsoring the tournament that have brought the Sapele Town into world of sports.

Argentina Assures NFF of FIFA U20 World Cup Showpiece

The Ambassador of Argentina to Nigeria, His Excellency Alejandro Herrero yesterday expressed confidence that his country will organise an excellent FIFA U20 World Cup finals despite receiving the hosting right less than five weeks to the championship.

“We are a footballing country with citizens who are very passionate about the game, and despite the late award of hosting rights, we will give it everything we have to deliver a smooth and superb tournament. Nigeria is one of the qualified

teams and we must attend to the visa requirements of the NFF delegation promptly and as within the regulations,”

His Excellency Herrero told a delegation of NFF chieftains led by the President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau yesterday in Abuja.

FIFA formally announced on 17 April that the finals, earlier billed to be staged in Indonesia, had been moved to Argentina, with the same competition period maintained.

Earlier, the NFF President had commended Herrero and

GOtv Boxing Night 28

Speaking from Zambia, Okowa stated that he would use his new position as CAA vice President to turn around athletics in Nigeria as well as the Zone 2 region.

Meanwhile, Okowa has dismissed as ‘total rubbish’ an online report that the AFN board has been enmeshed in crisis.

Youngsters Hit Ikoyi Club for Zenith Bank Swimming Gala

Young swimmers are eager to make impression as the Zenith Bank Swimming Gala for secondary schools take centre stage today at Ikoyi Club 1938.

The events to be competed for by the boys and girls are the 33.3m and 66.6m categories of Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Freestyle. They will also compete in the Freestyle Relay, MIx Medley Relay and the Mix Freestyle Relay.

Group Managing Director

of Zenith Bank, Ebenezer Onyeagwu, says the organisation enjoys catching talents young to help in the country’s sports development.

Onyeagwu said: “We believe in giving a good foundation for our young ones to excel in their respective areas of sporting endevours. We do in some other sports including football and that is what we are also doing with swimming.

“The secondary school swimmers will enjoy themselves but our hope is to get some of them represent Nigeria in future continental and global events.” Grange School won the last edition with 13 gold, seven silver and one bronze medals at the competition.

Chairman of the Swimming Section,

his team for receiving the NFF team at short notice, and stated that Nigeria would be looking forward to a championship in which to make history.

“Our two senior teams have enjoyed close contests at the FIFA World Cup level so many times, but I remember that at U20 level, we met in the Final in 2005, which Argentina won by a slim 2-1 margin in The Netherlands. This time, we want to go all the way and we believe Argentina will provide that warm and cordial environment to achieve our target.

Tuwa Vows to End Esepor’s Unbeaten Run

Tanzanian boxer, Twalib Tuwa, has vowed to end the unbeaten run of London-based Nigerian boxer and World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental featherweight champion, Taiwo “Esepor” Agbaje, when they face each other at GOtv Boxing Night 28.

The highly anticipated contest is one of the seven bouts lined up for the boxing showpiece, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on 1 May.

Speaking in a telephone interview from his training base in Tanzania, Tuwa said Esepor’s unbeaten status is

because he is yet to face a lion like him. “I fight like a lion in the ring. I don’t hold back. I have heard of Esepor’s record. I am more experienced than him and I will end his record on 1 May,” he said.

Tuwa has a record of 37 bouts with 25 wins, nine losses, and three draws. 17 of his victories came via knockout.

Meanwhile, Esepor, who is ranked 39th in the world by the WBF, has also bragged that he will eat up Tuwa like the popular Nigerian meal, ‘Tuwo’. The Nigerian is undefeated in his 15 bouts, including two in the UK, winning eight via knockout.

In the other bouts of the night,

cruiserweight boxers, Demiji Salami, and Samuel Elegbede will slug it out in a six-round national super middleweight challenge bout; lightweight boxers, Emmanuel Abimbola and Prince Lion Nwoye will face each other; Dolapo Omole will battle Gbolahan Mojeed in an eight-round featherweight bout; Steven “Freeman” Kadima will face Godwin Ambrose in a national challenge duel; Samuel ‘Apata Roro’ Moses, and Michael Adeshodun will pummel each other, while Azeez Ayobami ‘Latest’ will engage Tosin Osaigbovo, in an eight-round national lightweight challenge bout.

Man Utd Vs Aston Villa, Roma, AC Milan on GOtv

Manchester United and Aston Villa will lock horns on Sunday at Old Trafford for matchday 34 of the 2022/23 Premier League season, as both teams seek to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.

The Red Devils recorded their first loss at Villa Park since 1995 in the reverse fixture which ended 3-1.

The game was Unai Emery’s

debut match as Aston Villa’s manager and Cristiano Ronaldo’s final game as a Manchester United player. The game will be on SuperSport Football (ch. 61) at 2 pm.

Erik Ten Hag’s men are bound to face a tricky tie against Unai Emery’s men who became the first team in Premier League history to score in their first 20 games under a new manager. This

game’s outcome would boost the victor’s Champions League football hopes.

In Italy, there is all to play for at the Stadio Olimpico when Roma plays host to reigning champions, AC Milan today for a keenly contested Serie A match, as both teams battle for Champions League football.

Ikedichi Kanu, stated that Ikoyi Cub was ready for the swimming event for the junior swimmers.

R-L: Brand Manager, Shal´Artem, Shalina Healthcare Nigeria, Chiuba Nwosu presents a trophy to the captain of the winning team, Comedian, Jephthah Bowoto (Akpororo), while the team manager, Atunyota Akporobomerere (Ali Baba) and others look on at the Malaria Football Initiative organised to mark the 2023 World Malaria Day in Lagos, Nigeria.. yesterday PHOTO; DAN UKANA

Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue 1 Major Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) in white royal regalia (4th right) in a group photograph with the Sapele Athletic Club Golf Section Captain, Alexander Verhees ( 5th right), former Captains Okakuro Peter Asagba (3rd right), Okakuro Gilbert Aghogho (2nd right), Lady Captain, Lucky Akpeye (1st right) and many others at the Orodje Of Okpe Golf Tournament.

Mike Adenuga The First 70 Years

A Tribute to the Grandmaster

Ihave no reservations whatsoever in joining many others at home and abroad today, Saturday, April 29, to celebrate the birthday of the man popularly known as Otunba, Dr. Mike Adenuga on the occasion of his attainment of the landmark age of three scores and ten. It is trite knowledge that 70 is the Biblical age. The average time of longevity in Nigeria is 54, a country bedevilled by many existential crises and issues. Living up to the age of 70, in a country where death is cheap, poverty is rife, political leaders are not trusted, the road lies in wait to grab harvests on a daily basis - is in itself an achievement. It is therefore fit and proper to celebrate Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr. on the occasion of his 70th birthday. Born on April 29, 1953, he is seventy today, and he truly deserves our applause.

In the past week, I have seen a surfeit of tributes and announcements. One particularly notable one was posted by Aare Dele Momodu, one of Otunba Adenuga’s many proteges and beneficiaries, on his social media pages. Aare Momodu tells us that today, to be precise, there will be no loud parties… Otunba Adenuga has chosen to be at home with his family to reflect on an unprecedented trajectory; thanking God for seventy years of abundant grace, (2) that those who wish to celebrate with him should do so in modesty and simplicity which reflect his own reclusive personality; (3) that he would be delighted to have the younger generation read about his epic battles for success and imbibe some of the extraordinary attributes that catapulted him to being one of the most enigmatic icons on planet earth; (4) Dele Momodu says Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr has dominated the business space in the last four decades with investments in commodity trading, real estate, banking, oil and gas, telecommunications, manufacturing and construction. … and (5) he adds that Mike Adenuga is a most generous giver and a silent donor to worthy causes…” I concur. Seventy years of achievement. Seventy years of glory.

The only part of this advisory that I think will not fly is the build-up story that Otunba Mike Adenuga is going to spend his special day, today, ensconced with family, reflecting on his 70 years, in line with the virtues of modesty and simplicity and a reclusive personality. Yes, I know, that Otunba. Mike Adenuga is a self-effacing personality. With all his accomplishments, you won’t find him making noise at social events, throwing money around or trying to prove that he is a big man, as Nigerians say. But come off it, he is 70 today. He deserves to stage a dance, and sing a song. Where I come from, every birthday has what I call implications because birthdays are not for dying, they are for celebrations not monastic ruminations and hibernation. Otunba Adenuga’s aides should be told to urge their boss to celebrate. God has been kind to him. Adenuga at 70 is an occasion for pepper soup and jollof rice, and let no one tell him to restrict the feast to his family. The other day when Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank of Africa (UBA) turned 60, I was quietly in my house when they sent me jollof rice and other gift items which I received and consumed with relish. When, a few years earlier, Nduka Obaigbena, the publisher of this newspaper, turned 60 we all went to Eko Hotel, the rooftop oh, not any small space, where we all had fun and took photographs. I ate and I took something home!

Can someone please drag out Otunba Mike Adenuga, today and let him have fun, as we all join his friends and family to wish him a happy birthday, because he is indeed a jolly good fellow, an icon, a role model, a man with a good heart and a dependable guy. He is one of those persons that President Muhammadu Buhari referred to the other year when he talked about diamonds that make Nigeria great. Mike Adenuga is indeed a fine representation of the Nigerian dream, one of those who give hope to younger generations that it is possible to achieve, excel in whatever you put your mind and energy to, and surpass your dreams. Michael Adenuga is identified with two major animals as totems of signification: the first is the Bull. The Bull is the second sign of the Zodiac sign: Taurus, an earth sign relating to persons born between April 20 and May 20. Persons born under this sign are cosmic oxens, steadfast, loyal and ready to roll up their sleeves and get results. Apart from Otunba Mike Adenuga, one other Nigerian, in fact the only other one that I know who goes by the epithet “the Bull” is Daniel Amokachi, the ace footballer and legend.

Daniel Amokachi even in retirement is one of the best that ever played football. There are men and there are persons. I submit that our subject in this commentary is a man. It is not for nothing that Otunba Mike Adenuga is portrayed in other representations as a lion. The lion is the king of animals. In his many expeditions in the course of seven decades, Mike Adenuga has indeed proven himself to be a king. I mean this in the literal sense without prejudice to the fact that he is the son of a princess of Ijebu Ode, who married an Ijebu-Igbo man, whose burial is recorded as one of the most befitting and colourful in contemporary times, nor the fact that Mike Adenuga is a first cousin of the Ogbagba II, paramount ruler of Ijebu Kingdom, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, one of the longest living monarchs in Nigeria having spent more than 60 years on the throne. My point is that Adenuga had royal blood in him, but he became king not in the palace, but on the streets of struggle and self-realization. Despite his privileged background with noble connections, he actually sent himself to school in the United States. Business schools teach case studies, and the models can be organizational or individual-specific. I once sat in classes where the subject was about CEOs – what makes them tick, how they think, how they are made, and why they do what they do. Mike

Can someone please drag out Otunba Mike Adenuga, today and let him have fun, as we all join his friends and family to wish him a happy birthday, because he is indeed a jolly good fellow, an icon, a role model, a man with a good heart and a dependable guy. He is one of those persons that President Muhammadu Buhari referred to the other year when he talked about diamonds that make Nigeria great. Mike Adenuga is indeed a fine representation of the Nigerian dream, one of those who give hope to younger generations that it is possible to achieve, excel in whatever you put your mind and energy to, and surpass your dreams

Adenuga would prove to be a classic case study, and a source of lessons for the younger generation. Some of his critics, and I am sure there would be many out there, are likely to say that he is a lucky guy, who managed or happened to be in the right place at the right time. Afterall, he attended Ibadan Grammar School. Founded in March 1913, Ibadan Grammar School was one of those top elite schools in Ibadan, of Anglican Church extraction. This was the school that Mike Adenuga attended. The school also had on its alumni list, Justice Franklin O.M. Atake, a distinguished jurist, Chief Ayo Rosiji, lawyer, politician, former Minister; Chief Michael Omolewa, the industrialist; my late boss, mentor, benefactor and employer, Mr.Alex Ibru, founder ofThe Guardian Newspapers and the Sheraton Hotels, Dr Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo

State, and Chief Bola Ige, lawyer, politicians, author and former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.. The school also had the reputation of having had as principal and founder, the late Pa Bishop Alexander Babatunde Akinyele who brought much distinguished glory to the school.

We had a lecturer, Mr. Sonny Samson-Akpan, in Calabar in those days who never failed to remind us that he attended Ibadan Grammar School. If we wanted to prod him, we would point out that Ibadan also had Government College, Ibadan (GCI) which had an even more glowing story. The truth is that once upon a time in this country, alumni and alumna of different schools used to compete for glory. They were proud of their alma mater. But that is another story entirely. After Ibadan Grammar School, Mike Adenuga went to Comprehensive High School Aiyetoro for his A’Levels as it is called. “Compro,” as that school was popularly known was one of the best schools in Nigeria’s Western Region. It had excellent teachers, offering American-styled education. It provided a truly comprehensive education across disciplines and subjects. Products of the school, from that era, even till today, still go about as if they are on stilts, although the school like many others of that glorious season has changed form, content and substance.

The Adenuga story is that he later went on to the United States for further education, and there, working as a taxi driver, he sent himself through college, getting a first degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and a graduate degree from Pace University, New York, majoring in Business Administration. The man we are celebrating today is that taxi driver, I think they call a taxi driver, a cabbie in the US, who is now 70 and is known as one of the most accomplished men on the African continent. He became an entrepreneur quite early, buying and selling. He was already a millionaire by the age of 26. He sold lace and soft drinks. By 1990, he had diversified into many areas of enterprise and industry, banking, oil and gas, entrepreneurship.

In 1990, his company, Consolidated Oil and Gas, (CONOIL) had struck oil in commercial quantities in the shallow waters of South Western states of Nigeria. He also founded a bank, now defunct - the Equatorial Trust Bank (ETB). He is also today, the Chairman and Founder of Globacom, the second largest telecom operator in Nigeria, with significant presence in other African countries including Ghana and Benin Republic. Adenuga is regarded by Forbes and other wealth-watching groups as the second richest man in Nigeria. Adenuga is the second richest man in Nigeria and the sixth richest in Africa. To bring that to the level of the common man, each time you make a call on the Globacom network just to say “Hello My Neighbour. How are you today?”. Mike Adenuga makes money. He mints money.

I have been attending classes in International Political Economy taught by Professor D. K. Ologbenla who has been treating such subjects as the Theories of Capitalism, the definitions, scope and essence of political economy the Tenets of Capitalism, International Aid, Multinational Corporations, IMF/World Bank, and in all this he talks about the capitalist as an agent for wealth production/ creation, property acquisition, job creation and value addition. In other words, whether you view capitalism from the laissez faire, neo-liberal perspective or the communist conception, capitalism ultimately adds value, and it is better to have a balanced perspective of the various propositions. Otunba Mike Adenuga is one of those capitalist agents involved in trade and industry and one of the most impactful in Africa, promoting prosperity and economic growth. It is instructive that he has been honored by his own country, Nigeria, as a Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second highest honour in Nigeria.

He has also received high honours from Ghana, and France where in 2018, President Emmanuel Macron conferred on him the prestigious Commander of the Legion d’Honneur. In Ijebuland, he is Otunba Apesin. He is also one of the top-most influential Africans alive today. But the key thing is his promotion of welfare capitalism, his commitment to charity and community (the three Cs), philanthropy, and the manner in which he constantly gives back and helps to recreate society. I have read quite a number of tributes in the last week, from persons who have given testimonies of how they have benefitted directly from his generosity. As someone who has known him since I was a young, very angry, activist, journalist, I have been a beneficiary of his many acts of generosity. I don’t intend to tell those stories here today. I would rather reserve my “Adenuga and I stories”till another date. Most of our people are too envious. I don’t want to put anybody under unnecessary pressure as in: hen hen, is it Reuben Abati alone? I don’t want to attract the attention of you people who put eyes and mouths in other people’s matter. This is about Otunba Michael Adenuga: his humanism, his accomplishments, his heroism.

He has done so much for the land of his birth: creating wealth, prosperity, opportunities and building lives. As he turns 70 today, I urge you to charge your glasses and let’s propose a toast to this great son of Ijebuland, Ogun State, Nigeria, Africa, and a global, bridge builder across the world as he turns 70. Is Bella reading this?

Bella Adenuga (now Mrs Disu) is Otunba Adenuga’s daughter, if you are there, please bell me. I will tell you my address, for the onward transportation of my own Birthday mende-mende as they say in Yoruba language. Even the great Michael Adenuga must know that it is not fair for him to hide on his birthday today. Happy birthday sir. Many Happy Returns. Cheers.

Adenuga

Reuben Abati

Adenuga: 70 Years of a Bullish Run

Whether Dr Mike Adeniyi Adenuga Jnr chose the Bull as his business moniker or the nickname was given to him, there can be no more fitting sobriquet for a man who is never afraid to dare. No matter the odds and regardless of how daunting the challenges may be. It is perhaps also not a coincidence that Taurus, the second astrological sign of the zodiac, governs the period of the year between April 20 and May 20 on which Adenuga’s birthday falls. Taurus is symbolized by the bull, ordained by ancient civilizations and cultures with the sacred role of divinity.

In the world of politics and business, the bull is also a familiar symbol. “We grab it by the horns to demonstrate our authority… and we use the bull as a symbol in the stock market to represent a rise in prices”, according to Matt Sullivan, a former editor at New York Times and The Atlantic, who argues that the bull has, since prehistoric times, epitomized determination, strength, practicality, stoicism, ambition, and virility.

Those rare attributes separating the bull from other animals also distinguish Adenuga from other Nigerian businesspeople.

Adenuga is that man who, if he sets his mind on something, gets it accomplished no matter the obstacles. He is not just successful in oil and banking, but he has also built one of the largest telecommunication companies in Africa. So, as he joins the elite Septuagenarian Club today, Adenuga can look back with fulfilment on the countless battles he has fought and won.

Much has been written about Adenuga’s philanthropy and generosity of spirit. His legions of honours include the unusual investiture as Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) by President Goodluck Jonathan, decoration with the insignia of Commander of the Legion of Honour by President Emmanuel Macron of France and conferment of the highest civil national award of the Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG) by President John Mahama of Ghana. Adenuga has also played pioneering roles across business sectors, including leading the first indigenous company in the country to strike oil in commercial quantity. But the enduring value of Adenuga is that he has built a formidable business institution that is spreading the Nigerian brand across the globe. And having lived by the business ethos of high risk, high reward, Adenuga has recorded remarkable feats that have put him and Nigeria in good stead.

In the world of business, especially in a country like ours, there are just too many risks and uncertainties. Yet, Adenuga has seized every moment in the past four decades to break barriers, surmount obstacles and create records. His ability to withstand or recover from setbacks is legendary. From surviving gunshots to losing his father in an auto crash, to having his GSM licence revoked, Adenuga has withstood things that would make peers buckle or crumble. While others dream and wait for the ‘right moment’ to act, risktakers like Adenuga are already investing their time, energy, and resources to reach new heights, even amid storms.

There is a story that illustrates the doggedness and neversay-die spirit of Adenuga. Before his company, Consolidated Oil, eventually struck the liquid gold on 24th December 1991, family members, including his late mother, and associates reportedly felt concerned about the risk he was taking. A make-or-break oil exploration in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ondo State for a man still in his thirties was considered too daring. Adenuga reportedly listened to all the concerns expressed by people he knew genuinely cared about him. Yet, at the end, he decided to go by his instincts. Against all odds, he succeeded, and today he is one of the biggest players in the oil and gas sector.

Adenuga is a man who believes in setting milestones. This has continued to stand him out as a real treasure of a man amongst men. And he has a compelling story. As a young businessperson, Adenuga never depended on his father’s wealth. In his early foray in the world of business, he borrowed money from his mother and sister to execute a contract. He rose to the pinnacle through hard work, determination, and dedication to duty.

To confront our economic challenges in Nigeria, we need the patriotic zeal and courage of men like Adenuga who will not only invest their money but also empower our people in diverse ways. For instance, the contribution of Globacom to the entertainment industry goes beyond sponsorships and endorsements to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives that have helped to resurrect and nurture the career of many veteran artistes who may have ended up in penury in a society that places little premium on art. By using local musicians, actors, actresses as well as global stars with Nigerian ancestry for endorsement, Adenuga has deployed his network to project Nigeria’s image beyond the call of business. Besides, from putting a lie to the claim that per second billing was impossible in Nigeria to crashing the prohibitive cost of acquiring a GSM line to bringing down the cost of airtime, Adenuga has positioned Globacom to play a disruptive role in the telecoms sector to the benefit of Nigerians.

That Adenuga’s bullish mindset serves us in Nigeria is not

The Bible makes it clear that the master understood the capacity of each servant, which explains the disparity in the number of talents he gave them.

The Nigerian state might have given either five or two ‘talents’ to a few, but there are thousands of other Nigerian businessmen who have been handed a ‘talent’ each. If only ten percent of them had been faithful, Nigeria would be a better country today. Therefore, the proposition that we need more Adenugas in Nigeria is not about the quantum of ‘talents’ given but rather in the effort they put into deploying those ‘talents’ for the advancement of our society

in doubt. We need risk takers who will work for growth opportunities and invest with a positive attitude. Today, his contributions have helped to improve the living standards of millions of people, particularly those in rural areas. The same goes for Africa where Adenuga has demonstrated that creating sustainable businesses is key to driving job creation and economic development. He has invested a significant amount of money in different projects across the continent, including agricultural development programmes, health research, and technology advancement initiatives.

Considering Adenuga’s extraordinary wealth and the government licensed sectors in which he operates (oil and gas, banking, telecoms), there are some who may want to downplay his achievements. I believe the best illustration of the Adenuga story is the Biblical parable of talents, a most profound teaching by the Lord Jesus Christ set within the context of investments and productivity (Matthew 25: 14-30).

As the parable goes, shortly before embarking on a journey, a rich man delegated the management of his wealth to three servants by giving five talents to one, two talents to another and one talent to a third. Upon his return, he found that the first two earned him a hundred percent profit on his investments, while the third servant, who had buried his talent in the ground, returned it without profit.

The Bible makes it clear that the master understood the capacity of each servant, which explains the disparity in the number of talents he gave them. The Nigerian state might have given either five or two ‘talents’ to a few, but there are thousands of other Nigerian businessmen who have been

handed a ‘talent’ each. If only ten percent of them had been faithful, Nigeria would be a better country today. Therefore, the proposition that we need more Adenugas in Nigeria is not about the quantum of ‘talents’ given but rather in the effort they put into deploying those ‘talents’ for the advancement of our society.

Meanwhile, Adenuga’s aversion to media and publicity is well known, avoiding the grandstanding that we see with many wealthy Nigerians. But in a rare public engagement to mark his 40th birthday in April 1993, Adenuga released a disquisition on ‘Achieving’ that provides a peep into his mind in a way that confirms his bullish disposition to business. An “achiever” according to Adenuga, “is a leader, a winner, all the time, not just once” while dismissing the notion that anybody should approach worthwhile ventures with the spirit of the Olympics which places emphasis simply on participation. “Leading the pack is the only worthwhile resolve for the achiever. There is no room for second place…to be the first, and always the first; to be the one who holds the aces that determine the pace of play. You match your wits against others, with your entire constitution springing to action.”

Three decades later, that remains the operating principle of ‘The Bull’.

Adenuga is a visionary who has done well for himself but has also produced enormous public value for his country and continent. And as he clocks 70 today, I join millions of people across the world in wishing him happy birthday, long life, and good health.

“Themanwhogoesthefurthestisgenerallytheonewho iswillingtodoanddare.”–DaleCarnegie

Adenuga

Olusegun Adeniyi

King of Giants is 70!

in all spheres of life, particularly entrepreneurial sagacity and philanthropic incomparability.

Another point to underscore as we voyage into the confounding world of our country’s hardy Hercules, who is 70 years old today, is his illuminative leadership which he brings to bear on his exponential conglomerate in Africa and beyond the continental shores. People cannot stop wondering about things that make this recluse mogul especial and tick that competition keeps trailing him perpetually to no avail! His robust impact on the totality of humanistic endeavours in this part of the world is unassailably immeasurable.

A doughty icon of explorative diligence and a generational role model whose assiduity results in interminably unparalleled attainments that exemplify unimaginable audacity which only his like can hallmark, today’s celebrator has an intriguingly intimidating persona that has defied rationalization by one and all. He savours motivating and challenging people on grounds of his time-tested belief that nothing is impossible.

This broad-shouldered, barrel-chested and mesomorphic Samson of our generation is so reserved and abhors publicity so much that some of the things inevitably written by a few of us who are beneficiaries of his superlative compassion are put together at our own risk that could evoke his anger on a bad day! But, how else do we show appreciation for his endlessly critical interventions in our lives without periodical tributes like this and others infrequently? This writer is a major signpost of his robust beneficence—which is no longer news as almost everyone already knows. I am so appreciative that in the past two years I did back-toback centerspread birthday congratulatory advertorials in this racy medium to celebrate our own Atlas.

As I traditionally take off my hat today to this brawny Titan, in celebration of his 70th birthday, I hope I had not in the past anniversary c ommemorations invaded his precious privacy by my outpouring of well-deserved encomiums on this sinewy tower of strength and raising other tangential issues concerning him. I make this avowal because, as I mentioned earlier, Mr. Chairman does not subscribe to public acknowledgment or demonstrative gratitude in any form for his innumerable philanthropic gestures. Issuing from the above, if that had inadvertently happened, it should be considered the last act of blissful ignorance that is foreclosed!

I have so written about The Guru that many people have gone under the illusion that I may have cousinship relationship with the Iroko of benevolence. Therefore, most people who need his charity or even have business ideas get in touch with me through the instrumentality of my toll-free Glo line that is displayed online and offline via my multi-media columns. Always, I manage them to the best of my ability knowing full well the tightly-structured and strict disposition of Uncle Niyi to issues generally, be they classifiable or nondescript.

The King of Giants is 70 years today. He is not a traditional ruler, but an entrepreneurial and philanthropic icon who is globally inimitable. His exponential currency and dominance in virtually all spheres of human existentialism defy logic and comprehension. He is essentially a mystique by all ramifications!

His phenomenal passion for quintessence and mentorship quest make him a trailblazer in all departments of life. He is the compass for most people and savours navigating channels and pathways for those who have the esteemed privilege of interfacing with him at multifarious levels. The achievements of this Adonis are quite intriguing and subtly intimidating. Little wonder he is the leader of men Mr. Chairman’s sterling characteristics, vision and strengths that swim in assiduity are confounding and recommend emulat ion by those who aspire to follow his footsteps and desire distinction in all circumstances. It is to his inerasable credit that Nigerians and non-Nigerians can communicate effectively and efficiently today without rip-off by competition as obtained before his revolutionary intervention in our people’s speech chemistry through the exquisite instrumentality of our own Globacom.

Today is not for the comprehensive profiling of The Bull, but strictly felicitation of the unprecedented industry innovator. There are other platforms for such biographical pastimes. What follows here is just a brief bullet presentation on who The Guru is and what he basically represents and thereafter a continuation of our celebratory jollification.

SUMMATIVE BOX ON ADENUGA’S BACKGROUND

his fortune in telecom and oil production.

the second largest operator in Nigeria, with 55 million subscribers.

operates 6 oil blocks in the Niger Delta.

New York, supporting himself as a student by working as a taxi driver.

lace and distributing soft drinks.

From all indications, Chairman’s divine health, exceeding wisdom and longevity are guaranteed by our Creator. Otherwise, how else can one rationalize his hearty youthfulness, mature exuberance, giant-size agility, purposeful leadership of men and boundless optimism in all circumstances of life, particularly institutional engagements?

It is an understatement to describe this boss of bosses as an accomplished entrepreneur, because right from his childhood to university days, he was exposed to and engaged in commerce, industry and risk-taking which have all culminated in the occupational reverence that dots his ways endlessly. This tribute is rooted in the fact that this sturdy Tarzan of our time is blessed with global, boundless and borderless visionary instincts that define his trajectories, institutional conquistador and multifarious other involvements

In any case, I do not have telephonic or physical access—like most other 95 percentage Nigerians— to my greatest benefactor, but his love for me is indescribable amid quintessentially dazzling generosities. The withdrawal strategic compass which is the fulcrum of the entirety of his modus operandi has worked for him over the decades and keeps navigating his thrusts. Overall, I let such inquisitors and charity seekers—mostly—know that this man of unimaginable compassion has his own terms and conditions (as they say) in his inter-relationship inclination. Nobody can stampede him into doing anything. ‘Who the hell is that person’ that can cajole/ influence this man of taciturnity?

For me, particularly, it is the hallmark of disrespect, distraction and abuse of privileged intimacy calling the sturdy Guru. SMS is even worse! Wait a minute, what will be the subject? If he wants (not needs) me at all for anything, the ‘boys’ in Chairman’s office would gladly do the needful.

Despite whatever relationship you have with Nna mu Ukwu, you dare not bring your personal challenges to him for whatever reason, let alone another person’s! The moment you futilely try that, you incur his wrath because the all-round czar does not have time for inanities from any quarter! He is essentially engrossed in the totality of his multi-billion-dollar establishments as to have utopian space for irrelevancies, dependencies, beggarliness and slothfulness.

Sir, as you ruminate over life today, your sovereignty over opulence and optimal health crowned by longevity will be sharpened by His awesomeness, blessings, almightiness and grace. And so shall it be till you attain 150 years! Cheers, Chairman of chairmen and Leader of leaders!

Adenuga

Ebere Wabara

The Man Who Never Takes No for an Answer

Simon Kolawole

This is stranger than fiction: in my three decades as a journalist, I have met Dr Mike Adenuga Jr, chairman of Globacom, only once — in December 2003. I was part of a group of editors that regularly met with then-President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Ota farm in Ogun state. On one of those occasions, Obasanjo was having breakfast with the big entrepreneurs. That was how I finally set my eyes on Adenuga, who was full of smiles as we entered Obasanjo’s living room. I walked up to him, introduced myself and he shook hands with me warmly. The “big boys” soon left the room and we were alone with Obasanjo, discussing the 2003 elections and other issues of significance.

I would later meet Adenuga through the eyes of my friends who worked with him: Chidi Uzor and Olabode Opeseitan. Chidi was once my deputy when I was editor of THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper. The day he told me he was leaving THISDAY for Globacom, I was not too happy. I had no problems with Adenuga or Globacom, but as someone who has sworn to be a journalist for life, I was unhappy that yet another brilliant brain was leaving our cherished profession. We kept in touch. He had only good things to say about his new boss, always giving me interesting insights into Adenuga’s marketing ingenuity. I was often in awe of how the telecoms company took the market by storm.

For those who may not know, or might have forgotten, we used to pay at least N50 anytime we made a pay-as-you-go call when mobile phone services were launched in 2001. If you made a call that lasted for just one second, you would still pay N50. One second and 60 seconds attracted the same charge. In those days, network connection was poor — largely because of inadequate infrastructure. It was so common for the caller and the receiver not to hear each other but N50 would be gone within the twinkle of an eye. Nigerians were enraged and demanded that they should pay for only the seconds used. The networks said per-second billing was “technologically” impossible in Nigeria.

Until Adenuga entered the scene. In August 2003. And changed everything. Forever.

By introducing the “impossible” per-second billing, Adenuga broke, as it were, the backs of MTN and Econet (now called Airtel after going through a dozen changes in ownership and branding). You would only pay for the seconds you used. Simple. As icing on the cake, he also brought down the pay-as-you-go tariff to about N35 per minute. Tariffs were already dropping before Glo entered the fray, but it was a double treat to its customers that they could pay per second and also pay less for a minute. Like magic, the other networks that had sworn per-second billing was a daydream, or pipeline, ate the humble pie and started implementing what was technologically “impossible”. But Glo had already eaten into their market. If Glo was not your first mobile line, then it was your second. Within its first year, it had amassed over a million subscribers in a market thought to have been cornered by the two dominant operators. Glo would go on to introduce a number of value-added services, such as mobile internet and vehicle-tracking. It built Glo 1, the first submarine cable from the United Kingdom to Nigeria, to provide faster internet access, among other things. Today, Glo has 60.7 million subscribers — only behind the colossal MTN. The vision of one man has not only improved the fortunes of millions of people but has steadily contributed to national development.

At this point, I need to make a confession. When I first heard of Adenuga in the 1990s as an upcoming player in the oil sector, my impression was that he was fronting for a military general. Although I was one of those later celebrating his strides, the notion that he was fronting for a former military ruler naturally curtailed my enthusiasm. It was sometime in 2009 when I read the interview of Professor Jibril Aminu in Daily Sun that I finally let go of my petty prejudice. Aminu was the petroleum minister when Adenuga’s Consolidated Oil got its first oil block. It struck oil in commercial quantity in the shallow waters of Ondo state in 1991. It was a first for a wholly Nigerian company.

In the interview, Aminu spoke on a number of issues. One, he said he discovered that the big oil companies did not own the rigs.“They were all hiring rigs from the oil service companies, like Schlumberger,” he said. “I discovered that oil was just another business. I discovered that a lot of the chiefs of the international oil companies I met were not necessarily petroleum engineers or chemical engineers. They were businessmen, some were accountants; some were lawyers.”This appeared to have opened Aminu’s eyes to the fact that it was all about entrepreneurship. Get the oil block, get the personnel, get the finance and get going! He told himself that Nigerians too could play the game.

Two — and this is the part that is relevant to this essay in honour of Adenuga who clocks 70 today — Aminu told of how Adenuga got the oil block. Describing him as “a great businessman”, Aminu said he got to know Adenuga in 1990 when he came in company with Mr David Ogbodo (Aminu’s special assistant) to see him. Aminu said: “I didn’t even know him… [Ogbodo] introduced him to me… And if he came [to see me], he would not go until he got whatever he wanted. He kept on saying: ‘We are your children, sir, we are your children. David and I are your children.’” Adenuga relentlessly lobbied

There is a romantic part of Adenuga’s story that should not escape us as it comes with some inspiration. He was not born into the home of established industrialists, although his Ijebu Yoruba subethnic group is known for business acumen. His father, Oloye Michael Adenuga Sr, was a school teacher. His mother, Omooba Juliana Oyindamola Adenuga, did some trading. Adenuga, while studying for business degrees at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Pace University, both in the US, drove taxis to pay his way. It is a story of his life he never fails to tell

Aminu and got an oil block. There were no open biddings in those days — it was purely discretionary.

In that interview, Aminu swore that Gen Ibrahim Babangida had nothing to do with Adenuga’s oil block. He did admit that he later discovered Adenuga knew people at the top. He said: “President Babangida had nothing to do with my meeting Mike Adenuga. He was brought by David Ogbodo and I didn’t know him at that time. I had heard of Devcom and Equatorial Bank, but I didn’t know he was the owner of the two banks... Babangida had nothing to do with it. He had nothing to do

with my allocating the oil block to him or allocating it to anybody else. Naturally, some of the people around him would phone you but not him, nor his wife. That I can say before anybody, before man and God.”

But what impressed me the most, it is important to say, is that unlike many Nigerians who were getting the discretionary allocations and selling them to make a quick buck, Adenuga chose to be an oil entrepreneur. The upstream sector was a strange field for Nigerian entrepreneurs, but he made history by hitting oil and has gone on to invest his wealth across sectors. He is regularly rated as one of the richest entrepreneurs in the world by Forbes. The magazine measures Adenuga’s wealth based on only his telecoms and oil businesses, using stock market value and exchange rate. He is evidently worth more than the estimated $6.1 billion as some of his companies are not publicly listed.

It has not been a smooth ride for Adenuga and this should not be odd. In a developing country, the powers of the state are awesome and the political figures can do and undo. Adenuga did not have it easy under Obasanjo. First, the first mobile phone licence he got through his Communications Investment Limited (CIL) in 2001 was revoked and his deposit of $20 million seized because he reportedly missed the deadline for the payment of the $265 million fee by a few hours. Obasanjo was clearly determined not to give him the licence: the hair’s breadth miss was an insignificant breach of the guidelines. No law was broken. In a country hungry for investments, that was baffling. But more was in the offing. Although there were whispers that Obasanjo did not want Adenuga to get the licence because of his rumoured ties to Babangida, it also did not help that he got another telecoms licence — bigger than the one he lost — when Vice-President Atiku Abubakar presided over the affairs of the country while the president was away in the Caribbean Islands in August 2002. Globacom got the second national carrier licence, of which mobile telephony was just a part. It’s like losing a bucket of mangoes and getting a mango tree in return. While his admirers celebrated with him, Obasanjo was quietly seething with rage and Adenuga nearly paid for it with his life, literally.

As Obasanjo began to prepare to amend the 1999 Constitution in 2006 to give himself an extra term of four years in office (although he disingenuously denies it till this day), Adenuga was one of the targets marked for demolition by the third term strategists. He was seen as an ally of Atiku, who staunchly opposed the third term agenda. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), headed by Mallam Muhu Ribadu, became a weapon of mass destruction in the hands of Obasanjo. They went after Atiku, but Adenuga became collateral damage in the process as they tried to create a link between his Equitorial Trust Bank (now part of Sterling Bank Plc) and the then vice-president.

In Gestapo fashion, the EFCC operatives invaded Adenuga’s Lagos home and broke down as many things as they pleased — using extra-sophisticated equipment. They had an excuse: Adenuga had failed to honour their invitations. I too wondered why he did not honour the invitations. But the war-like approach confirmed Adenuga’s fears that everything was political. The EFCC was just working to an answer. They arrested him and, as we later heard, were determined to move him to Abuja overnight by road. It was a humiliation and traumatisation strategy. He was eventually set free. He fled into exile, returning only after a wounded Obasanjo grudgingly left power in May 2007.

There is a romantic part of Adenuga’s story that should not escape us as it comes with some inspiration. He was not born into the home of established industrialists, although his Ijebu Yoruba subethnic group is known for business acumen. His father, Oloye Michael Adenuga Sr, was a school teacher. His mother, Omooba Juliana Oyindamola Adenuga, did some trading. Adenuga, while studying for business degrees at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Pace University, both in the US, drove taxis to pay his way. It is a story of his life he never fails to tell. It is one worth a rumination. What if he had stayed back in the US just because of constant power and traffic lights?

Adenuga has surely enjoyed favours from God and man in his 70 years so far. One of my favourite verses in the Holy Qur’an that fits this story is the one from Surah ar-Rahman: “Then, which of the favours of thy Lord will ye deny?” It is not enough to dream big and pursue your dreams with determination. Yes, these are important in the story of success. But there is a place for timing and opportunity — or chance — and help from above. As the Preacher said in the Bible, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”Adenuga can easily relate with these divine principles.

Adenuga

Tribute to the ‘Bull’

Ifirst met Otunba Mike Adenuga in the summer of 1975 in Brooklyn, New York, through our common late friend, Dele Giwa. He was at that time a young ‘hippish-looking’ 22-year old, who was visiting, it turned out, from his base at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma, where he was studying Business Management. My memory of those years is hazy now; but I recall that he and Dele-Giwa, were, in between summer school, engaged in the driving of ‘gypsy’ cabs!

Then, our paths crossed again in 1991, when I was at the Daily Times as Managing Director and he had become, apart from owing other strings of businesses, the founder of Devcom Merchant Bank. At that time, the Daily Times was sourcing for funds to develop a new corporate head office at Kakawa Street in Lagos. Otunba was determined that Devcom should provide the funding for the project. What was most striking for me at the time, and remains etched in my memory was his doggedness, considering also that he was only 38! I recall that in his drive to secure the business for Devcom, Mike was in touch with me practically on a daily basis, for weeks on end!! He was unrelenting. Unfortunately, just when we were about to close on the deal, our common friend, President Babangida, relieved me of my duties at the Daily Times. Then, with the inception of GLO, our relationship blossomed again, thanks to the modest role I played in persuading Professor Wole Soyinka to agree to do one of the earliest advertisement materials for the nascent mobile company.

In the intervening years since our first meeting in 1975 to date, our relationship has remained, surprisingly, enduring. At first contact, Mike Adenuga has an uneasy calm to him, one that even betrays a touch of humility, especially when such contacts are older friends. But, as I have learnt over the years, that perception could be dangerously misleading! Beneath that outer calm is a volcanic restless energy that is in a permanent state of flux, constantly in search of new business frontiers to capture and conquer.

Unfortunately, the perverse and erroneous assumption that Mike Adenuga stumbled on wealth only because he had a head-start from his priviledged pedigree or because of his early close links to the Nigerian military seems to have, somehow, percolated. But that misses the point, and obscures the important fundamentals about his life that should engage us today as Mike, at 65, gradually commences that inevitable ascent of the elders’ hill!! Even without the be nefit of the brilliant biography of Adenuga by Mike Awoyinfa and Dimgba Igwe, Mike Adenuga: Africa’s Business Guru, it is clear to all today that this bundle of enigma called Mike Adenuga is one of the most successful African businessmen of our time. What, in my view, should occupy our minds today is to seek and find out how this “young” 65-year did it!!! How did he come from where I first met him in 1975 to becoming one of the legends of our time? Are there lessons to be learnt from his example, his style and precepts?

For Mike Adenuga, business, any business, is a series of manoeuvres, something akin to a warfare that needs to be pursued with aggressive determination and unwavering energy. As he himself declared to Newswatch editors in a rare 1992 incisive press interview, “Essentially, running a business is similar to leading a military operation…. The over-riding objective is to out-manoeuvre the opposing forces, to out-smart the other party; to out-perform the competition; to out-wit the other guy, to achieve. This may sound harsh. But that’s the way it is”. It is instructive to note that in the long preparation for the launch of GLO, Mike and his staff, whom he called the “roll-out soldiers,” met every Sunday, from 9am to past midnight for one full year, plotting the strategy for the final roll-out of the mobile company.

Apparently, Mike Adenuga, who was born (April 29) under the Zodiac sign of Taurus revels in, and imbibes the astrological stereotype of that Zodiac sign, the Bull! Like a charging, rampaging Bull that is determined and energetic, Mike is constantly driven by an intrepid aggressive, domineering mind-set to succeed and excel, all the time. Failure is never an option in his scheme of things. All who have interacted with him in, or even outside the business terrain testify to the fact that his capacity for work is legendary.

To these attributes of fabulous energy and domineering zeal should be added a number of others, too numerous to be outlined in a short tribute such as this. There are, for instance, such attributes as his stupendous generosity, his near obsession with acquiring any new knowledge that would be useful in the course of his business, his love for delicious food and good wine and

his undying love for his family and children. Take, for instance, his love for good food and excellent wine. Mike is the ultimate dream of every good chef, who measures his culinary skills and achievements by the consuming capacity of his clientele! I testify that at those rare moments when he came visiting at our Victoria Island residence, after he would have put a call across to “Aunty Sade to get ready,” dining with Mike, in the company of other friends, was not just pure pleasure, it was always an elemental performance!!!

Ironically, there is something of an agreeable contradiction to Mike Adenuga’s life. Here, we have one of the most public figures of our country, who also founded one of the most public of our institutions, but who is hardly ever seen at public events! Mike Adenuga cultivates his privacy like an art. In a society where the monied class does everything to provoke adulation and ovation with out-flung hands, Mike Adenuga has continuously shied away, preferring to remain diffidently reclusive.

As he turns 65, we all wish him the very best and many more years of outstanding service to a country he loves dearly. There is no question that he has set standards by which Nigerian businesses would be judged for a long time to come. Considering how early he started out as a businessman and entrepreneur, he is, perhaps, one of the ‘oldest’ most successful businessmen of his calibre still around, and that itself is a milestone worth celebrating today, and always. His enviable place in the history of our country is assured because he has earned the right to it.

Happy Birthday, Otunba. Long may you reign and glow!

Although, this was written for Otunba Adenuga’s 65th Birthday and never widely published, every detail here remains relevant today as he marks his 70th birthday.

Adenuga

Yemi Ogunbiyi

To these attributes of fabulous energy and domineering zeal should be added a number of others, too numerous to be outlined in a short tribute such as this. There are, for instance, such attributes as his stupendous generosity, his near obsession with acquiring any new knowledge that would be useful in the course of his business, his love for delicious food and good wine and his undying love for his family and children. Take, for instance, his love for good food and excellent wine

COVER

An Audacious Entrepreneur with Larger-than-life Personality

Otunba (Dr) Mike Adenuga, Jnr., (GCON), is a household name in Africa’s businessworld. Many scholars and pundits, employing their own different prisms of understanding have tried to explain this entrepreneurial colossus to humanity, albeit unsatisfactorily. Books have been written about him. Countless of articles have been articulated in effort to elucidate this special creature to us. In the court of public opinion there have been discussions, debates and even arguments as regards what this economic genius represents. Different versions of stories about his successes told, yet none is encompassing enough to unearth the Holy Grail propelling his greatness. The reticent nature of this dollar-denominated billionaire creates an ambience of mystery around his name, of which portrays him as a still water that runs deep.

As Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., makes inroads into the world of septuagenarian with his 70th birthday, it presents another golden opportunity to continue the quest to unravel this quintessential entrepreneur and his sterling attributes to the world. No single title captures his whole essence. No amount of encomium is enough to evince his magnanimity. The name you call him is a function of what you have come to understand about him. Several monikers, including Iroko of Africa, The Bull, The Guru, Father of Philanthropy, Oracle of Generosity, and The Spirit of Africa, are phrases and paraphrases invented by intellectuals researching on his unique personality, to juxtapose it with his landmark achievements. He is a shrewd investor and reclusive billionaire who has not only mastered the art of wealth creation but has defeated the lure of ostentatious lifestyle. He is a paragon of wealth via enterprise. Chairman of Africa’s only solely-owned telecommunications provider and Nigeria’s first indigenous GSM company with over fifth million subscribers, with diversed investments in other key sectors of the economy like oil, gas, banking, real estate, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., has become one-man economic behemoth to the extent that his enormous wealth is most times undervalued and underestimated by Forbes and its likes. His business conglomerate has grown vast and expansive, with its economic impacts reaching far-flunged areas which makes it difficult—if not impossible, for a single human being to wrap his mind around what this investment guru has built in the last few decades of soaring on the wings of excellence, powered by resiliency. No wonder a school of thought opined that greatness is excellence repeated over the years. It is a journey not a destination.

In furtherance of this context, I will like to draw inference from an Indian myth called “Elephant and the blind men.”A long time ago some blind men lived in a village in India. The men had heard stories about elephants from other villagers to the point of curiosity. In order to have a mental picture of what an elephant was like, one day the villagers arranged for the men to visit the palace and have first-hand experience of an elephant for themselves. On getting to elephant’s abode, each of the blind men approached, and then touched the part of the animal that was closest to them. The first man felt the elephant’s side and screamed: “Oh, of course! The elephant is just a wall!”

The second man touched the elephant’s tusk and said: “The elephant is like a spear.” There came the third man who happened to be closest to its leg. He put his hand on the elephant’s leg and shouted: “Now I understand it perfectly! It is a tree.” The fourth man was tall and reached for the elephant’s ear: “The elephant is a like a huge fan.”The fifth man was only able to grasp the elephant’s tail, he said:“Anyone with a sense of touch would understand that the elephant is just like a rope.” Lesson of the story: Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., is that mythical elephant that no scholar has been able to grasp cum figure out

Even in giving back to the society, the Ijebu-born billionaire does it in a unique way that dazzes the benefiting individual, group, organisation or community. He has redefined the standard of philanthropy in Africa with his humongous and numerous acts of generosity. He is not given to showingness and self-glorification. As an apostle of secret giving; the unseen hands that transform lives of many, he has transcended from being just a creator of wealth with a heart of gold, to a humanitarian dedicated to serving humanity. No one encounters Father of philanthropy and remains the same. It could be the reason some opinion influencers reference him as Oracle of Generosity

comprehensively his invincibility and gargantuan nature. You can only try to define the part of him that you have been opportuned and privileged to experience. This is having a larger-than-life image.

Those in the private sector who have witnessed his wit and grit in business management, describe him as—The Guru. Analysts interested in boardroom politics who have seen his calculated moves, bold ideas and uncanny mastery displayed in the chessboard of investing, nicknamed him—The Bull. Keen minds who understand the wide range of his influence and affluence

across the continent of Africa bestowed on him: “The Iroko of Africa”. He has attained olympian height yet maintains touch with those at the pedestrian level. He sits in his palatial home in Banana Island—Villa Adenuga—famous Bellissima on the waterfront, the most magnificent private home owned by a businessman in West Africa, yet pull strings across Africa’s economic stratosphere, and beyond. His name epitomises his aura. You can feel his impact without seeing him. His invincibility cum reclusivity vindicates those who honour him as “The Spirit of Africa”.

Even in giving back to the society, the Ijebu-born

billionaire does it in a unique way that dazzes the benefiting individual, group, organisation or community. He has redefined the standard of philanthropy in Africa with his humongous and numerous acts of generosity. He is not given to showingness and self-glorification. As an apostle of secret giving; the unseen hands that transform lives of many, he has transcended from being just a creator of wealth with a heart of gold, to a humanitarian dedicated to serving humanity. No one encounters Father of philanthropy and remains the same. It could be the reason some opinion influencers reference him as Oracle of Generosity. In fact, at the risk of exaggeration, Chief Adenuga’s unparalleled and unprovoked acts of philanthropy have earned the Adenugas so much goodwill that can last up to third to fourth generations.

Once an importer, contractor and later entrepreneur, who began making millions in his early twenties. His educational voyage took him from Ibadan Grammar School, Oyo State, to Northwestern State University, Oklahoma to Pace University, New York, were he bagged his first degree and masters, respectively. His adventure in the businessworld has seen him rise to apex of entrepreneurship and investing. His conglomerate comprising Globacom, Conoil Producing, Conoil Plc, Cobblestones Properties, etc., have created wealth, values and jobs both for himself and Africans. He has put the country in Africa’s map of entrepreneurship. Imagine Nigerian economy without Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr.

As he celebrates his 70th anniversary on earth, posterity will forever be fair to him for his patriotic role in gifting Nigerians mobile lines, by making it affordable and accessible. GSM debuted in the country in 2001. Before then, we had paltry 400,000 active telephone lines. The two legacy GSM operators who were hitherto licenced held Nigerians to ransom with expensive lines and per minute billing system. Owning a mobile line was a status symbol until the game-master—Dr Mike Adenuga, Jr., decided to throw his hat into the ring. On August, 2003, Globacom—Nigeria’s first indigenous mobile operator was born, with an ambitious mission statement: “To be the largest, most successful entertainment, information and telecommunications solutions provider, in Nigeria and Africa.”

Globacom did not only become the gamechanger but via innovative prowess, disrupted the market, raised the bar—inadvertently and advertently, began what has been later christened telecom revolution in Nigeria. When legacy mobile operators insisted that per second billing system was not economically practicable at the moment, and covertly held Nigerians at oligopolistic jugular of duopoly, Globacom—like a rampaging bull driving the renaissance, broke the jinx and pioneered per second billing in the country. This became the magic wand that set the ball rolling.

The subsequent crash of cost of SIMs and calls from N20,000 and N50 per a minute, respectively, to as low as N200 and 5 Kobo per second, ensured that more Nigerians—who were hitherto unable to own SIMs cum mobile phones, could afford them with the corresponding services. Nigerians were bitten by the bug of Glo vis-a-vis mobile phone services. In a chain reaction, massive demands for mobile network connectivity began across the country. Globacom was at the forefront of this technological revolution and one man envisioned and brought this bold idea to reality, for the collective interest of Nigerians.

Adenuga’s biggest philanthropic gesture to Nigerians, was floating Globacom Limited, which made it easier for the masses to have access to GSM services. As he swims in the euphoria of his 70th birthday anniversary. May God continue to bless him for being a blessing to humanity. 70 gun salute to the Iroko of Africa! May God bless the day he was born.

Nwobodo writes from Abuja via chidieberenwobodo@yahoo.com.

Adenuga

Chidiebere Nwobodo

A Bull That Makes, Not Breaks

Amaju Pinnick

If you make your first million naira at the age of 26, selling lace materials and distributing soft drinks, it is unlikely that more than a few visioners would see you becoming, some decades later, one of your continent’s richest men, with vast interests in both streams of the oil sector, banking, telecommunications, entertainment and other areas, with tremendous impact in the lives of billions of people globally.

I have never been ashamed to confess that Michael Agbolade Adenuga Jnr. is one of my role models – a quintessential man of honour, philanthropist without compare, a man who radiates success and accomplishments of the highest grade, a man who sniffs opportunities even before they appear, and who is used to breaking new grounds and charting new frontiers. A man of class, charisma and character, yet simple and humane almost to a fault.

He is the only ‘Bull’ I know who makes people and does not break anyone. His DNA is to inspire people; I have never seen him shatter anyone.

Agbolade Adenuga Jnr is a firm believer in the Nigerian Project: one who has staked his all playing strongly, faithfully and adroitly in the Nigeria business space, breaking myths and uncovering new opportunities, where men of little faith and slim conviction only see walls and obstacles and hurdles.

That faith, plus audacity, perseverance and endless innovation, has seen him uproot odds and hindrances in almost every sector to prosper, and to be ranked today as one of the world’s most remarkable self-made men.

Born to Oloye Michael Agbolade Adenuga Snr and Omoba Juliana Oyindamola Onashile on 29 April 1953, the junior Michael had his secondary education at Ibadan Grammar School – a citadel famous for its prowess on the football field, and which perhaps explains his love (as well as decades of support, encouragement and sponsorship) of the ‘beautiful game’.

After working as a taxi driver to fund his university education, (with degrees from the Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Pace University, New York, the junior Michael decided to give full vent to the business streak he took from his mother’s genes. In 1990, he got his first oil drilling license, and the following year, his Consolidated Oil (ConOil) struck oil in commercial quantity in the shallow waters of Ondo State – the first indigenous company to do so.

The early noughties birthed a new vista in telecommunications. In 1999, Adenuga was issued a GSM license. It was revoked the following year. Undaunted, he took part in another auction in 2003 and was handed another licence that gave birth to Globacom –Nigeria’s biggest indigenous telecommunications firm and perhaps the biggest in the West African region, with large footprints in Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

It was not for nothing that he was named the African Entrepreneur of the Year at the very first edition of African Telecoms Awards in 2007.

His humanitarian nature is most underplayed. The people of Ondo, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom States will testify that his ConOil remains the most community-friendly oil exploration and distribution company around, with a string of genuine, people-interest development projects all over.

His companies have continued to support, sponsor and encourage football (nay, the sports industry in general) over the decades, with billions spent on the League and the National Teams. In the Continental, millions of people still refer to the African Football Awards as Glo-Caf Awards, due to his company’s many years of uninterrupted sponsorship and upliftment of the annual event, for which Adenuga himself got a soul-lifting CAF award.

On a personal level, I am a testifier to his magnanimity and keen interest in the upliftment of other individuals and projects, and pursuits that advance the cause and reputation of the Nigeria nation. While campaigning to win a seat on the FIFA Council – a panel of only 37 people who constitute the highest decision-making organ in world football – and having to travel all over Africa by chartered aircraft due to the coronavirus pandemic, I received a call from Michael Agbolade Adenuga.

“Omere, how do I support you?” At that period, every support to the project was significant, and he contributed to helping me win the seat, making me the third Nigerian to make it to that hallowed panel.

With a sense of honour and privilege, I am pleased to wish this extremely successful man a happy and blessed Platinum Jubilee Anniversary. May you continue to break new grounds in divine health, sound mind and peace at heart.

Adenuga

On a personal level, I am a testifier to his magnanimity and keen interest in the upliftment of other individuals and projects, and pursuits that advance the cause and reputation of the Nigeria nation. While campaigning to win a seat on the FIFA Council – a panel of only 37 people who constitute the highest decision-making organ in world football – and having to travel all over Africa by chartered aircraft due to the coronavirus pandemic, I received a call from Michael Agbolade Adenuga

The Logic Behind the Phenomenon

As Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., the Nigerian Oil and Telecommunications giant, turns 70 today, two of the many frequently asked questions that readily come to mind are: What makes him tick and how does one get to accomplish even as little as 1% of his financial achievements to date these days? The answers are not so simple but straightforward. Virtually all those who have been fortunate to work closely with Dr. Adenuga over the decades would readily agree, with regards to the first question, that the principal assets that stand him apart from other mortals are:

1) Seeing the big picture ahead before most people do

2) Focusing tenaciously on the big picture without blinking

3) Extraordinary attention to detail

4) Superlative retentive memory and intellectual prowess

5) Audacity and Readiness to take risks

6) Ability to think outside the box.

7) Available speed in taking necessary decisions

8) Patience when required

9) Amazing stamina and tenacity

10) A wealth of experience and exposure to international best practices

11. Access to credible and reliable sources of information

12. Unmatched and unmatchable generosity...

The answer to the second question is that in addition to being diligent, one must be adequately equipped and prepared to work more than 24 hours in a day and also at break neck speed, in order to stand a chance of replicating his phenomenal achievements.

Over two decades ago, Dr Adenuga was already thriving in commodities, Real Estates, Banking, single-handedly owning two, Devcom Merchant Bank, for the business sector while the Equitorial Trust Bank (ETB) was more into retail banking. He was simultaneously entrenched in the oil and gas sector with his flagship company, Conoil Producing Limited holding pride of place, in offshore and onshore activities, as the foremost indigenous oil producing company in Nigeria. It is on record that he became the first indigenous explorer to discover oil in commercial quantity. This was achieved by navigating the roads less travelled. The risk was just too much but it separated the men from the boys.

Far from being contented with the big apple pie that he had beautifully baked in banking, and oil and gas, Adenuga had scanned the economic landscape in the horizon and foresaw the diamonds and gold mines that telecommunications would soon become. Despite the gigantic obstacles and landmines mounted against him, he never gave up. His far-sighted decision to take the seeming kamikaze plunge has since seen Globacom become the second ranked mobile operator in the country, with over 56 million subscribers. His singular ability to lay submarine cables from Europe to West Africa remains such a daredevil investment by any significant organisation.

This changed slow Internet into the speed of life.The journey from then to now has not been easy. It was right from inception fraught with steely roadblocks and mortal dangers that would have floored anyone without the type of patience, stamina and ruggedity to take risks that Adenuga is substantially imbued with.

The first major problem was that the mobile telecom licenses of Adenuga’s Communications Investment Limited (CIL) and over fifty other entities were cancelled overnight by the Federal government which went on to announce a stringent bidding process under which only four licenses were to be issued out. The process called for interested bidders to each deposit $20 million which would be forfeited if the bidder could not come up with it or decides not to pay the balance of the bidder’s winning bid.

While some of those whose licenses were cancelled decided to challenge the decision in court, Dr. Adenuga immediately turned his attention to the requirements of the new bidding procedure and promptly made the $20 million deposit. Subsequently internal and external experts were commissioned to prepare and present a detailed business plan that sought to establish the bid level at which it would

be advisable to walk away rather than pay a higher price that would make the investment a loss-making proposition from the onset. The experts determined that the cut-off mark for the bidding team should be $200 million.

A traditional bidding process was adopted by the organizers of the bid, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), with the reserve price set at $100 million. The five contenders, including CIL, were sequestered in separate rooms at the Hilton hotel in Abuja and contact between contending parties or the outside world was forbidden. NCC would continually inch up the bidding prize until only one contender was left standing; at which point the second to the last agreed price would be offered to all those still left in the race.

Dr. Adenuga had entrusted a carefully selected team with the task of bidding on behalf of CIL. As the team got ready to leave for Abuja it got a call from Adenuga whose terse and very clear directive made it impossible for CIL not to be amongst the winners of the four licenses being auctioned. No matter how high the bidding price went, the team was not to stop until CIL ended up as one of the winners. CIL was in effect to give the last word on the pricing level of the GSM license.

Dr. Adenuga’s directive made the job of the CIL team to be much easier than it would have ordinarily been.

Without the directive and with bidders not allowed to contact their principals during the bidding process, it would have been extremely tough for the CIL team to use its own initiative stay or back out of the bid, after the breakeven point of $200 million was crossed. All the team now had to do, and did, was to relax, enjoy the delicious sandwiches and drinks that were continually supplied the bidding team and approve whatever the staggering price the bidding process threw up. The Chairman of Chairmen had the financial muscles and never-say-spirit to match and surpass any other bidder. It is not for fun that his main moniker is The Bull.

The televised bidding process began on January 17, 2001 with five companies jostling for the fourbavailable licenses. After several rounds, one of the bidders dropped out but the remaining bidders had no way Of knowing this. Thus, the price kept going up until CIL became the proverbial last man standing after accepting the offered price of $300 million. Since the other remaining three contenders had surrendered following the preceding price of $285 million, the latter was set as the final price and offered to

CIL and the other three remaining bidders. With the successful battle for one of the GSM licenses over, attention swiftly turned to planning for the balance of $265 million to be paid before the payment deadline, which was only a few weeks away.

Dr. Adenuga had no difficulty in getting the amount ready but a few hours before the money was to be transferred to the designated government account, word came in from Abuja that the frequency allocated to CIL was under litigation. The specter of a complex, drawn-out court process during which CIL could be denied usage of the frequency suddenly loomed, and a go or no-go decision had to be taken. With the clock ticking towards the deadline, the decision taken by Adenuga was to go but with a condition attached to the payment, to the effect that the receiving bank was not to release the funds to the government until the latter provided CIL with an Indemnity Letter. The requested letter was to protect the company from losing the funds if the litigants succeeded in keeping their frequencies.

The payment was thus made before the deadline, but the government refused to give the Indemnity Letter and ultimately cancelled the award and seized the $20 million deposit.

Faced with this excruciating development, Dr. Adenuga’s extraordinary ability to take on and surmount any intractable challenge came into play. Under his guidance, CIL began a protracted battle to not only get back the GSM license but the Indemnity Letter as well. Over one year down the road, neither objective had been attained and the prospect of achieving them looked very bleak and impossible. Despite this sad and unfortunate hurdle, Dr. Adenuga continued to pay the salaries of the CIL staff of Network engineers, sales and customer care.

It would take another one year before his stupendous faith moved mountains and both objectives were achieved at a time most people would have given up. Under the new name of Globacom, Dr. Adenuga once again bidded for and won the national carrier license and since the license came along with the same litigious frequency, the NCC this time did not hesitate to give the indemnity letter!

With the license finally and firmly obtained, full attention was turned to making up for lost time. The other three telecommunications companies were two years ahead in not only providing telecoms services but in garnering the most lucrative segments and entities of the telecoms market: the business entities and the high net worth individuals. The biggest hurdle for Globacom was however not the difficulty of catching up but the threat of sudden death.

As may be expected, the other telecoms companies were not in a welcoming mood for what they derisively considered a brash novice that should not have ventured into the business in the first place. The ploy they came up with for stopping Glo dead in its track was snobbishly simple. They did everything they could to frustrate interconnections between Glo and their networks with the result that as a Glo subscriber you could only get in touch with other Glo subscribers; the number of which was unsustainably small at the start.

During several meetings that ran into the nights, Dr. Adenuga listened to suggested solutions that all centered around getting NCC to force the networks to interconnect with Glo, as required by law.

At the end of these crises, Glo came up with a five-stage action-plan that ultimately worked to save the palpably determined company as well as catapult it to its current number two position. The first was to crash the price of sim cards, bringing it to almost zero. The second was the fateful decision to introduce per second billing, a masterstroke that broke the camel’s back and the ultimate game changer. It was a most patriotic act that rescued telephone users from the excessive gains being made at the expense of Nigerians. The third was a well deliberated plan to be the first to market new products and innovations such as Blackberry and 4G network.

The fourth action plan was to procure the Glo Submarine cable, GLO1 which has been pivotal in propelling Glo to its current enviable position of being the Grand Master of Data, an extremely intricate and expensive investment, which broke the monopoly of the only epileptic one in existence, owned by NITEL. It entailed laying submarine cables under the belly of the ocean from Europe to West Africa. This was technology at its highest. The fifth was to flood the traditional and social media with Glo news and top-notch advertisements, which millions of Nigerians have come to see as being home grown. Many young and old Nigerian artists and entertainers became wealthy as Glo Ambassadors. Same as the footballers. They also enjoyed massive promotions and exposure on television platforms, including CNN.

Adenuga’s impending attainment of the ripe age of 70 years may give a false sense of hope to all the anxious competitors of Glo looking forward to his retirement; an expectation, perhaps, that he may finally decide to slow down and spend most of his time in Acapulcoor or on some other exotic resorts. Unfortunately for the competitors, three major factors stand in the way of their wishful anticipation. The first is that rather than wane in strength and vision, Adenuga’s phenomenal stamina continues to wax stronger as a result of his uncommon passion. Secondly, his determination to make Glo the first, the best and the most attractive telecommunications company in Africa and ultimately the world remains resolute and unshaken. The third is that he has groomed those who share in his vision and mission. The forth and possibly the most important factor is that Adenuga’s heart is totally for Nigeria, his fatherland; where he has patriotically invested and continues to invest despite deliberate attempts by competitors to underrate and undervalue his humongous resources. On behalf of his countless admirers globally, and those of us who work for him, in one capacity or the other, day and night, we wish Dr Mike Adenuga Jr. a most resounding birthday celebration and many more years in excellent health, happiness and prosperity, as well as continued ascendancy on the list of the most successful and wealthiest business icons of this century.

70 happy cheers to The Spirit of Africa...

Adenuga

Mike Jituboh

A Patriot Full of Guts and Vision

The youngest of a brood of children of a famously strict educationist and clergyman, is an enigma to some, but anecdotal accounts of his formative years help to better situate Dr. Mike Adeniyi Ishola Adenuga Jnr. One of such well-worn stories was that young Mike Adenuga sold part of what was standard issue comestibles to high school mates from his over stock. Truth is, as his surviving older siblings testify, “Niyi”, who led the family morning prayers, was not as inclined to bible studies as their towering father rammed down as he was to mama’s thriving commerce.

Amongst items Mike Adenuga’s mother traded was the tin, rectangular boxes for school pupils-now replaced in modern times by backpacks, which she fabricated and sold to schools within Ibadan and environs. Mike, her youngest son was one of her many vendors. He always wanted to work for what was provided for him and siblings for free. Unmistakably, those were early signs of an entrepreneurial spirit, which he carried on to his college years in the United States.

The Guru, the Bull, the Grandmaster or simply Chairman; all these aliases by which Dr. Adenuga (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger GCON, Commander of the Legion of Honour - the highest national award bestowed by France) is known, do not sufficiently capture the impact which the man, who turns 70 years old today, has had on business and society in Nigeria and far beyond.

Adenuga, mega-successful entrepreneur, innovator and patriot to the core sees the world as a huge canvas of opportunities on which men with guts and vision can paint masterfully. He imagines the world as a vineyard from which the sweet wine of success is squeezed by only those who believe, and are ready to work relentlessly.

Adenuga’s journey through the harsh and unpredictable modern business vineyard has brought well deserved rewards for him and transformed the landscape in banking, real estate, communication and oil and gas where his trail blazing efforts first came to public notice. The ability to spot opportunities and challenge conventions whilst seeking to extend frontiers make him at once enigmatic and charismatic.

The nation’s banking halls were fraught with long queues of customers in the 1990s until Adenuga led the way with his Equitorial Trust Bank to make banking hall transactions a pleasant experience.

Conoil Producing became the first wholly indigenous oil company to discover and produce crude oil from acreage in the creeks of the Niger-Delta in 1991 whilst other license holders were busy shopping for foreign partners. Glo Mobile entered the market in 2003 as the only indigenous Telecoms player, and stirred up the market in such positive ways that Nigerian consumers of mobile telephone services were the ultimate beneficiaries of better pricing structure. He has held the national banner aloft and proudly in the instances where foreign companies were direct

competition and could only have been repatriating the gains of local business. A very strong advocate of indigenous effort, Adenuga’s triumph over foreign behemoths in the enterprise privatization exercise by the Federal Government is legendary. For Adenuga, enterprise for self-enrichment is nothing until it creates benefits for others. The Adenuga collective group of companies employs thousands of Nigerians and parade some of the longest serving employees. No Nigerian or Nigerian enterprise has supported local sports and entertainment industry the way he has done. The Mike Adenuga Foundation promotes business studies at

the Ogun State University and the University of Lagos where he endows generously the School of Entrepreneurial Studies.

Still, in quiet sorties, he supports veterans from varied fields who have given the best of their prime to Nigeria. He has received high recognition at home and abroad for his worthy contributions to business and philanthropy.

He will be celebrated today as a patriot who, against many odds, has shown tact, courage, vision and invention, which shines through and projects hope for others in an ecosystem sometimes heavy with difficulties and doubt. He should deservedly be celebrated.

70 Cheers to the Spirit Mike Adenuga At 70

Richard Mofe Damijo

How does one begin to talk about this paragon well known across many verses as the Spirit of Africa. And even when one gets started, how is it possible to say everything you want to say about this White hat in a few words. I can only endeavour but caveat that no number of words penned down will do justice to this luminary.

There is a mystery to this great man but no ambiguity as he says it always as it is and is not given to overstatement of any kind. I Met you about 32 years ago in the company of my late wife, May Ellen Ezekiel, and my good friend, Dele Momodu, and since then I don’t think I have seen you again more than three times. Yet in all of these, you are probably the one man who has impacted my life the most.

As an actor, I was very sure of how I wanted to ply my trade and how I wanted to be regarded by society. It didn’t take too long for you to come into my life to revalidate

how I always wanted to be seen. One of many was the birth of Globacom where you made me a brand ambassador for life as it were because I have never known any other brand that can regard me the way you have done over the years even when you have no reason to.

You are the one Man that gives a person a stupendous gift and then it takes a lifetime to even see you to say thank you, that is if you even remember at the time of thanking you what exactly you are being thanked for. Your simplicity is an essential mark of your greatness, and your consistency has made you a pacesetter in every sphere you have ventured in.

I recall asking you over the phone for a job for my wife many years ago and you granting my wish without a second thought. Today, over 12

years later my wife still works for Glo where she has grown immensely both professionally and individually.

I dare not open the box of others that you have equally impacted. I may be forced to write a book. From entertainers to sports men and women and people from all works of life whose lives and careers you have transformed without so much as a glimpse of you.

As you turn 70, I take immense pleasure in knowing that this will not be a burdensome weight of accumulated years but a rebirth. I know that the next decade will be one of pacesetting innovations and I am exhilarated to be a passenger on this journey with you.

On behalf of my grateful, thankful family and my humble self, that you have refused to stop calling `Bros`, when the full Warri nation knows you are the `Bros(xt) of all brosses`. We just want to say happy 70th birthday to the one and only MAA! Respect...

Adenuga

Nduka Irabor

Seaman’s Schnapps Sustains Cultural Heritage at Anioma People’s Festival

Seaman’s Schnapps, Nigeria’s original prayer drink, sponsored the 2023 Anioma cultural festival and made it an event to remember. The festival, renowned as the finest cultural event in Delta State, attracted over 100,000 attendees as well as online viewers.

Themed “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage”, the 18th edition of the Anioma festival was graced by high profile dignitaries including Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State; Kester Ifeadi, President of OFAAC; Lawrence Ejiofor, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Delta State, and royal fathers such as HRM Obi Maduabuna ll, Obi of Obawuno Kingdom; HRM Godwin Nzemeke; HRM Obi Augustine Ezeaguna Okolie; HRM Obi Anthony O. Ogboh of Ejeme- Aniogor; and HRM Obi Solomon Eze chinyelugo ll, Obi of Ashagba Kingdom amongst others.

As part of its activities to support the Anioma festival, Seaman’s Schnapps and its team from Grand Oak limited also paid a courtesy visit to all traditional rulers in all the nine local government areas that comprise the Anioma people in Asaba, Delta state. Some of the first class traditional rulers visited include HRM Obi Joseph Chike Edozien, Asagba of Asaba; HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma; HRM Augustine Ezeaguna Okolie lll of Egbudu - Akah Kingdom; HRM Henry Kikachukwu Afamefune, Obi of Ubulu -Unor; and HRM Kingsley Ofuokwa lll, Obi of Obior.

The Anioma Cultural Festival is an annual celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Anioma people of Delta State, Nigeria. For two decades, the festival has brought together communities from the nine local government areas of Delta North Senatorial Zone to showcase their traditional music, dance, fashion, sports, and creative arts.

Organized by the Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), the festival has played a vital role in rekindling the Anioma people’s interest in their cultural heritage. It is a unique opportunity for them to come together, share experiences, and celebrate their common heritage. It has also become a

platform for promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the various communities in the region.

Seaman’s Schnapps’ participation at the festival was aimed at reinforcing its brand purpose, consolidating brand association with royalty, deepening its loyalty to customers, and enabling conversation among culturally inclined individuals. The Anioma Cultural Festival is an essential event for the people of Delta State, as it helps to preserve their cultural heritage and promote unity and understanding among them, and also serve as an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the richness and diversity of the Anioma culture firsthand.

Throughout the festival, the Seaman’s Schnapps ensured that attendees had a top-notch consumer experience. Sampling and engagement were done across various events leading up to the finale, which included a royal/stakeholders’ engagement, festival dance competition, traditional wrestling challenge, and a royal banquet. Seaman’s Schnapps also achieved optimum visibility by being used as the prayer drink for all the traditional rites and prayer sessions.

Wema Bank Celebrates 78th Anniversary, ALAT at Six

Wema Bank renowned for its innovative banking solutions and Africa’s first fully digital bank, is set to commemorate its 78th and 6th anniversary with a bang. The week-long celebration, which commences on May 1st, 2023, promises an array of exhilarating activities and competitions open to its employees, clients, and the public.

Kicking off the anniversary week is the virtual launch of ALAT Alumni, a platform for former Knights to rekindle relationships and foster a sense of community that the bank can leverage. In addition, the bank will release a cascade of ALAT balloons into the sky, and participants can take snapshots of the balloons and share them on social media with hashtags like #ALATAt6, #WemaAt78,and#SpotALATInTheAirtostand a chance of winning fantastic prizes.

The spirit brand also sustained its cordial relationship with traditional rulers within the Anioma kingdom and the entire Delta State people at large. The brand’s participation served as a platform to further establish its position as Nigeria’s number one prayer drink and project its affinity through the celebration of culture and tradition.

The festival provided the region and state with an opportunity to unify Delta’s diverse population, to celebrate Anioma’s rich heritage, and to promote communal living, commerce, and tourism. Seaman’s Schnapps’ sponsorship of the festival contributed to sustaining cultural heritage and uniting communities in Anioma land.

Seaman’s Schnapps is a brand that has been in the market for over 30 years, has a rich heritage, and is loved by many across Nigeria. Recently, the brand was named the Spirit brand of the year 2022 award at the just concluded Industry Awards.

This recognition of excellence is a testament to the quality of the brand and its popularity among consumers.

The highlight of the celebration is the “Sounds of ALAT” competition, which seeks to uncover talented musicians in the entertainment industry and provide them with a platform to showcase their creativity. The victorious entry will become ALAT’s official theme song, and the winners will receive cash rewards of up to five million Naira.

Furthermore, the bank is organizing a balloon hunt for its customers, challenging them to locate balloons spelling out “Wema” and “ALAT” in different locations and post photos on social media using a specific hashtag to stand a chance of winning more prizes.

The festivities will also encompass the launch of the upgraded ALAT for business, the digital bank application for A fully revamped ALAT for Business platform to revolutionize the way business owners manage their business transactions.

Mabel Adeteye, Head of Brand and Marketing Communication Department, expressed her delight about the upcoming anniversary and its events. She added that the bank would dedicate the week to digital services, giving customers the opportunity to experience the convenience of ALAT’s digital banking solutions.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our anniversary with our staff, clients, and the general public. We believe that these events and competitions will provide everyone with an opportunity to participate in the celebration and enjoy ALAT’s innovative banking solutions.”

Terra Provides a Range of Choices to Consumers

As part of efforts to offer exciting choices and deepen consumer affinity, Terra Seasoning Cube recently unveiled its Jollof Seasoning Cube and Shrimp Seasoning Cubes. These new variants introduced earlier this year would join the already existing variants of Beef and Chicken Seasoning Cubes to cater to the flavour preferences of a wider spectrum of consumers across Nigeria.

According to Executive Director of the TGI Group, Deepanjay Roy, the resolve to continually excite the market with value-adding varieties of Terra Seasoning Cubes, prompted the introduction of these variants that started with the introduction of both the Beef flavour and Chicken flavour. Other variants like shrimp and Jollof have since followed to cater to the needs of the different segments of the market that are particular about specific flavours they want to experience in their meals. For instance, the recent introduction of the Terra Jollof Seasoning Cube was in response to the demands of jollof rice lovers craving that smoky, bottom-pot aroma and extraordinary taste of their favourite delicacy, whether at parties or at home.

The Terra Jollof Seasoning Cube is that complete Jollof seasoning that contains key Jollof ingredients like onion, pepper, thyme, turmeric and garlic among others for that irresistible smoky bottom pot taste and flavour.

Same can be said for the shrimp seasoning cube, that satisfies the desire of seafood lovers who crave the taste and aroma of real shrimp for their seafood dishes, especially seafood okra.

Each variant of Terra Seasoning Cubes - Beef, Chicken, Shrimp and Jollof Seasoning Cube is loaded with lots of goodness, wholesomely crafted to delight chefs, caterers and homemakers who desire to achieve a distinctive flavour, inviting aroma and irresistible taste to their variety of meals.

The variants of Terra Seasoning Cube are as different in taste as they are in composition. The key ingredients like onion, pepper, thyme and turmeric along with other ingredients are combined to give your jollof rice it’s smoky, bottom-pot taste and aroma just as a combination of real shrimp, garlic and chili produces that distinct seafood aroma and taste unique to meals cooked with the Terra Shrimp Seasoning Cubes.

The four variants of the Terra Seasoning Cubes -- Beef, Chicken, Shrimp, Jollof – are increasingly becoming the preferred seasoning cubes in many Nigerian homes. The acceptance of Terra Seasoning Cube by the consumers testifies to how well the company understands the consumer’s needs when it comes to developing seasoning cubes that offer value to their meals.

The Executive Director stressed that the range of choices for Terra Seasoning cubes reflects the company’s resolve to always put the interest of its numerous consumers first.

“We are aware of consumer expectations from us. The growing popularity of Terra Seasoning cubes is as a result of its exciting variants of chicken, beef, jollof and shrimp offering desired flavour and aroma that perfects your everyday meals” stressed Mr Roy.

Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Group, Probal Bhattacharya, believes that the growing acceptance of Terra Seasoning Cubes is largely due to the assortment of quality variants that it has on offer for the consumers.

“Beyond the superior flavour and taste that the variants of Terra Seasoning Cubes add to the cooking pots across the country, they cater to a large number of discerning consumers

desirous of its unique exciting flavours for their varied meals” he added

Terra Seasoning Cubes are made up of wholesome, carefully sourced essential ingredients specially designed to meet the discerning Nigerian consumers’ needs in every meal, offering great taste, flavour and aroma for that unique cuisine experience. Every meal cooked with Terra guarantees an enjoyable meal and a rich signature homemade taste experience. Available in Beef, Chicken, Shrimp and Jollof flavours, in various consumer-friendly pack sizes, nationwide.

Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group is an international investment and holding company with diversified interests and investments across Africa, The Middle East, Asia and other emerging markets. TGI’s investments focus on driving inclusivity and value addition using locally sourced raw materials, state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities and a highly skilled workforce to produce world-class products that are consumed both locally and exported to global markets. Across markets, TGI Group owns over a hundred leading brands in Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Agricultural Inputs, Industrial Chemicals, Homecare Products and Pharmaceuticals.

Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

L-R Kester Ifeadi, President of Organization For The Advancement Of Anioma Culture, Ifeanyi Okowa, Executive Governor of Delta State and other Dignitaries at Anioma Festival 2023

Nissan Partners South Africa on 29th Independence Celebration in Nigeria

As part of the activities mark- ing its 29th post apartheid independence Anniversary, the Republic of South Af- rica, in collaboration with Stallion NMN, Nigerian partner of Nissan Motor Corporation, is celebrating the event with week-long activities in Lagos.

22nd April 2023, culminated into a cultural night tagged, ‘a Night With the Stars’ on Sunday at Mike Adenuga Complex, Ikoyi, Lagos.Organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of South Africa, the Sunday occasion was graced by the management of Stallion NMN Limited, Nigeria’s exclusive representative of Nissan automotive brand, Africa movie industry as well as newsmen and other important dignitaries from all walks of life.

Some of the highlights of the night included Maiden” produced by Nkem Nwahuruocha, a an interview of Chinua Achebe by Wole Soyinka and a South African journalist, Lewis Nkosi, and a panel discussion on how the creative industry can forge a one Africa. Answering questions at the Sunday event,

the Consular General, the Republic of South Africa, Dr. Bobby Moroe said the choice of celebrating the event in Nigeria was neces- sitated by the major role the latter played towards ending apartheid in South Africa.

He said: ‘’The relationship between Nigeria and South Africa dates back to1946, when Nations General Assembly to Chair anti- Apartheid Committee of South Africa.

“Being a frontline state, Nigeria played a major role in the liberation of South Africa. So, we are celebrating 29 years of formal diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa since the 21st of February, 1994. from and we thought what a better place to celebrate 29 years. These 29 years is a precursor to 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which is going to be marked in 2024 next year. This is a preparation for another South Africa week, which would be titled: ‘South Africa and Nigeria at birth’ next year.

“We look at all these agreements that have been signed between Nigeria and South Africa. We have more than 26 agreements that have been signed and we thought let on a number of what we believe are very critical agreements that have been signed. And culture is one of them. That is why we

5 Signs of a Bad Fuel Pump

Many components work together to ensure your vehicle runs properly. The spark plugs, pistons, and crankshaft turn gasoline into usable horsepower. The brake pedal, brake lines, calipers, and discs combine to bring your car to a stop.

And the electrical system relays signals from various switches to the headlights, taillights, sound system, and heating and air conditioning. But what transfers fuel from the gas tank to give your engine the power it needs to accelerate and cruise?

A vehicle’s fuel pump delivers the petrol in the tank to your engine, so it can create a spark and generate horsepower for any type of driving. And if your fuel pump starts to go bad, it could cause many issues that lead to a decrease in engine performance.

But what are the signs of a bad fuel pump?

What are the ways of repairing fuel pumps? Let’s look at the subject of failing fuel pumps and how to know when yours goes bad.

What is a fuel pump?

The fuel pump is a vital part of your vehicle’s mechanics that sends the gas in the tank through the fuel system and into the engine. During this process, the gasoline passes through a fuel filter into the fuel injectors and then combusts inside the cylinders.

have activities centered on social cohesion between the people of South Africa and Nigeria.’’

On the collaboration with Nissan, Moroe did not only express excitement over the automaker’s partnership during the celebra- tion, he also extolled the good quality of Nissan auto brand, thumping up for the new Nissan Navara built in Pretoria, South Africa .

“We are quite excited about the partner- ship,” he enthused, adding, “This is the beginning of a new relationship between South Africa Consulate and Nissan. So, we are optimistic that not only are we having partnership on this event, there are other issues we are going to engage them on.

‘’We are creating a platform in which of activities we are having but other partners of ours not in the same industry.

“The story of Nissan is very compel- ling, especially their partner in Nigeria, Stallion NMN. The new Nissan Navara Pickup designed and built for Nigeria is technologically equipped to weather the storm in Nigeria.”

Also speaking during the event, the General Manager, Amit Sharma, described Nigeria and South Africa as two nations with special bond.

Ford F-150® Lightning® Goes Global, Debuts in Norway

Ford has announced that F-150® Lightning® is going global for Norway, the world’s most advanced electric vehicle market.

Following impassioned consumer demand, Norwegian customers can apply to purchase a limited number of special F-150 Lightning Lariat Launch Edition vehicles, the automaker said.

“In my 25 years at Ford, I’ve never seen anything like the passion and demand I’m seeing from drivers right now to get behind the wheel of our F-150 Lightning. I’ve had customers literally banging on my door and pleading for us to bring the electric pickup to Norway,” said Per Gunnar Berg, managing director, Ford Norway. “F-150 Lightning is the perfect match for many customers in Norway – uniquely capable of quenching our thirst for adventure while embracing our passion for protecting the environment.”

Introducing the multi-award-winning F-150 Lightning pickup to Europe in the world’s most advanced electric vehicle market where 80% of new car sales are electric – is the latest step in the company announced that it is targeting zero emissions for all vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint

Ford is committed to leading the electric vehicle revolution, investing more than $50 billion globally through 2026 to electric vehicles and targeting a production run rate of 2 million electric vehicles globally by the end of that year. The company expects EVs to be half of its global

vehicle sales volume by 2030 and is on track to achieve carbon neutrality no later than 2050. Earlier this year, Ford announced that it will again nearly double production capacity of F-150 Lightning to 150,000 vehicles per year at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn, Michigan, to meet soaring customer demand.

Without a pump, gasoline would have no way of reaching the engine, and the pistons without enough fuel to provide power to the driveline. On older vehicles, mechanical fuel pumps use plungers or diaphragms to transport fuel to the carburetor, which then sprays it into the cylinders.

But on modern vehicles with electronic fuel injection systems needing higher fuel pressure, electric fuel pumps are more suited to the task. Modern cars usually have electric fuel pumps mounted inside the gas tank and powered by a DC electric motor. Electric fuel pumps also reduce fire risk because they’re covered in cool gasoline and installed far from the engine.

Nigeria Auto Guide 4th Edition to be Released Soon

After the successful launch of the first, second and third editions of the authoritative auto reference book, tagged Nigeria Auto Guide, the publishers have revealed that the 4th edition is to be released in the fourth quarter of the year.

The book, which debuted in 2012, provides detailed information about brands and models with phone numbers, websites, email addresses and physical addresses of all authorised franchise owners and corporate players in the Nigerian auto market.

A statement by the Managing Editor, Frank Kintum, said the book would also capture profiles of main players, brands and major personalities in the nation’s automotive industry.

This edition, according to the statement, is coming in both hard copy and e-copy, as well as on the website-www.autoguide.com.ng.

Apart from auto companies, it would also feature “current operators in allied sectors such as tyre, lubricant, spare parts, bank and insurance for the benefit of those who purchase brand new vehicles and related products in Nigeria.”

The statement said, “The 4th edition, now being compiled for 2023/2024, will be unveiled in the fourth quarter of the year, 2023.”

It stated that the book aimed to be the number one platform to guide auto buyers on the right path in purchasing automobiles in Africa.

“First published in 2012, the need for the book became necessary in order to guide buyers of new vehicles (especially government agencies, corporate organisations and individuals) and advise them on the need to deal with the franchise holders and corporate players in the market,” it stated.

“The book is revised every two years. The second and third editions were produced in 2014 and 2018 respectively. It was skipped in 2016 due to logistics issues. The devastating effects of Covid-19 on businesses and other spheres of life globally made it impossible to roll out a new edition between 2020 and 2022.

(Source:Shift)

L-R: General Manager, Stallion NMN Limited, Mr. Amit Sharma; and Consulate General, Republic of South Africa, Dr. Bobby Moroe, at the event

Ford F-150® Lightning® of facilities, logistics and suppliers by 2035.

Longest Cooking Marathon Holds to Inspire, Empower Youths

Food by Hilda’, Hilda Baci has said that the forthcoming cook-a- thon initiative is aimed at inspiring the youths to go for their dreams, regardless of rising challenges.

Baci stated this at a press conference announcing the cook-a-thon event in Lagos,Accordingrecently. to her, the four-day event which was initially slated for April 28 production delivery and the forthcoming

National Population census.

Baci reiterated that the event now holding between May 11 to 14th, 2023 will break the cooking record of 87 hours, 45 minutes, and 00 seconds set by Chef Lata London in Rewa, India in 2019. inspire every young girl about the possibility of achieving their dreams. We are setting an example with this attempt. The victory of the show is a win for young women across the continent in breaking barriers and the capacity to

BTI Stresses Professionalism in Beauty Practice

African franchise beauty school, Beauty Therapy Institute, BTI has emphasized standards and professionalism as the key to achieving growth and safety in the Nigerian beauty industry.

edition of its Beauty Needs Education, BNE held in collaboration with Institute of Aesthetics in Lagos, recently.

The BNE is an initiative aimed at increasing the awareness of clientaesthetician practices within the beauty industry as well as develop necessary actions that will prepare practitioners for world-class challenges.

Speaking at the programme, BTI Franchisor, Sandy Fuhr lamented that the sector is plagued with quackery, adding that the future of aesthetics lies

She said, “Each year, individuals and patients are met with substandard treat-

impact,” she said.

Also on the show coming up in Lekki, Lagos, Lead Project Coordinator, Hilda Cook-a-thon, Nowe Isibor Segun-Ojo stated that the initiative is targeted at growth opportunities.

“The Hilda Cook-a-thon is a groundbreaking project geared at making an impact and providing growth opportunities. We are on a journey to setting a new narrative and bringing something refreshing to Africa. We believe this is achievable and we are banking on

everyone to support a young woman with big dreams. We appreciate all our sponsors who have made this project possible,’’ said Segun-Ojo.

On the sidelines of the event are other activities including games, music performances, poetry, and celebrity attendance.

In preparation for the programme, Baci disclosed that she and her team had designed over 100 recipes to be served at the event opened to the public through registration.

Conference to Address Tax, Fiscal Policies’ Lapses

the root of economic quagmire.

aestheticians/

dermatologists. This further highlights the need for acquiring relevant and adequate skills.”

She explained further that the programme is an industry changing event that shed more light on activities in Nigeria and beyond, and also help individuals, players and schools to rise to industry standards and build their brands.

Similarly, BTI Lagos Director, Dr of charlatan players threatening sector development and professionalism.

“Many more people including, male and female are being conscious of their skin. So, as we have more clients, so also are new comers looking to create employment opportunities for themselves. is why we have set up this initiative to address existing skills gaps.”

BOI Charges SMEs on Innovation to stay Afloat

Foremost development finance institution, Bank of Industry, BOI has charged small and medium-sized enterprises, SMES operators on creativity and innovations to remain relevant.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BOI, Olukayode Pitan gave this advice as a form relief and solutions to the perennial challenges facing SMEs operators in the country.

Pitan who was a speaker at the Rotary Club of Lagos meeting recently, urged operators not to be dissuaded by rising confrontations, but to up their game to be able to sustain their businesses and compete favourably in the market.

The BOI boss maintained that globally, SMEs account for the majority of business enterprises by contributing to production output and exports, which represents hallmarks of economic growth. He said, “In most economies, SMEs contribute between 40-55% of GDP and 50-80% of employment, according to the World Bank.

22% of Africa’s working-age population are entrepreneurs – the highest entrepreneurship rate in the world according to African Development Bank, AFDB.”

He admitted that despite prospects in the sector, challenges such as burdensome administrative& regulatory framework, multiple taxation, socio -cultural problems and insecurity amongst others were affecting bottom-line and commitment from operators.

To survive, Pitan urged operators to reinvent and stay committed.

He said, “Operators can weather the storm by being strategic such as identifying and retaining key customers segments by addressing changing consumption/demand patterns, build customer’s profile, build customer’s loyalty through shared values, become difficult to replace, and amend value proposition to align with changing demand of key customer segments”.

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN has expressed worries on the ratio of the Nigeria Tax Revenue to Gross Domestic Product GDP which according to the institute is one of the lowest in Africa.

President of the CITN, Adesina Adedayo forthcoming Annual Tax Conference, decried rising economic challenges, corporate existence.

as declining revenue from crude oil sales, depreciating value of the naira, rising debt burden and increasing government spending, among others.

He explained that these challenges and many others informed the theme of the institute’s 25th Annual Tax Conference, “Nigeria of the Future: Achieving Sustainable Development through Taxation “ to chart the way out.

According to him, Nigeria needs to get

He said, “I believe that It is only harmonisation of same that we as professionals can help government to navigate through all these. Therefore, this conference provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to gather, think and deliberate on actionable strategies to secure a future for Nigeria that grantees taxation.”

Adedayo further explained that the conference, which will hold between May 8 - 12, 2023, is in partnership with United Nations Development Programme, UNDP Nigeria, under the Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB)’s Tax for SDG programme.

He noted that speakers and papers to be presented for the programme in Abuja have been carefully selected to suit the purpose and theme of the event.

Organisers Announce Plan for 3rd ‘STEAM Fun Fest’

the future of work, Nigerian educational technology companies have announced plans this year STEAM Fun Fest event, themed, “Empowering the next generation for the future of work.”

The organisers, 9ijakids, STEM METS, Edufun Technik Hub and SabiTeach stated that the move is aimed at equiping Nigerian children with updated skills and knowledge, relevant to thrive in the 21stcentury workforce and rapidly growing world of technology.

The U.S. Department of Education recognised the needs to equip children with relevant and adequate skills to solve problems, make sense of information, and know how to gather and evaluate evidence to make decisions.

According to the organisers, the fun fest

holding July 22, 2023, is fully packaged to hone the skills of Nigerian children with regards to knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and with global standards.

Speaking on the programme taking place in Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, CEO of Edufun Technik, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu explained the fest will provide a platform for children aged 6 to 14 to engage in hands-on activities and experiments in STEAM to ignite their curiosity and stimulate their creativity. Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu who spoke on behalf of the organisers further urged parents, teachers, educators, and regulators to improve and prioritise STEAM education to be able to instil the culture in children early enough.

L-R Ondo State Coordinator for Global Money Week, Prayer Akponine; pupils of 7 Stars Schools, Akure; Ondo State; Cordinator for Global Money Week, Olabisi Omotayo; and Teacher at 7 stars Group of Schools,Akure, Mrs. Anthonia. S during Global Money Week programme sponsored by Access Bank in partnership with 9ijakids and Kidpreneur Africa in Akure, Ondo state ...recently

Beauty Therapy Institute’s Franchisor, Sandy Fuhr; BTI Lagos Director, Dr Eyitope-Ibare Jones; BTI Brand Manager, Caileigh Roy and Creative Director ,TUBO brand, Sandrah Tubobereni during BTI’s Beauty Need Education programme in Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

May Day: Labour Accuses FG of Denying Workers Use of Eagles Square

FGdeclaresMondaypublicholiday

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Ahead of the May Day celebration on Monday, members of the organised labour, under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has frowned at the decision of the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to cancel the use of the Eagle Square arena in Abuja for hosting of this year’s Workers’ Day celebration.

The Congress urged Nigerian workers to expect tougher challenges adding that there were no signs that the hardship and deprivation in the land will abate.

Also yesterday, the federal government declared Monday, May 1, as a public holiday to mark Workers’ Day.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja shortly after the May

Day lecture delivered by an economic analyst, Sam Amadi, the NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emma Ugboaja, said that leadership of the apex labour movement was dismayed by the sudden withdrawal of permission to hold May Day rally at the normal venue, the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The Minister of the FCT, Abdullahi Adamu, had through a letter to NLC on Thursday notifying it of the cancellation of the permit to organise rally at Eagles Square, saying that rehabilitation is being carried out in readiness for the May 29 presidential inauguration. However, Ugboaja described government’s last minute withdrawal of permit as a sign of contempt and disdain for the workers.

The labour movement said

Concession of Ajaokuta Steel, Itakpe Iron Ore Companies, Kogi Court Stops

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

A Division of the High Court of Justice of Kogi State sitting in Lokoja has restrained the federal government from its planned concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) at Itakpe. Both companies are located in Kogi State.

The federal government had commenced the concession process for the two companies with an advertisement.

However, in a suit with number HCL/211M/2023 filed by the Attorney General of Kogi State, on behalf of the government and people of the state, the court was asked through a motion ex-parte to give an order for a stay of action on the

concession process pending the determination of the substantive matter on it before the court.

The motion ex-parte was brought pursuant to Order 11, Rules 7 of the Kogi State High Court (Civil Procedure Rules) 2006.

Leading seven other lawyers, M. Y. Abdullahi, SAN, drew the attention of the court to the affidavit of urgency deposed to in the application while seeking the orders. He sought two orders.

“An order for interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents, their agents, representatives, officials and whosoever acting for them, or through them, or on their behalf, from proceeding with the concession of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and the National Iron Ore Mining Company.”

Osinbajo to Speak in Nairobi At Mo Ibrahim Forum

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will be in Nairobi, Kenya, this weekend where he will participate in the 2023 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend with the theme ‘Global Africa’.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the organiser of the annual forum, was established in 2006 with a critical focus on the importance of good governance and leadership for Africa.

The Forum, tagged The Ibrahim Governance Weekend (IGW), will bring together leading voices from across Africa and beyond to discuss germane issues around the progress of the African Continent.

Osinbajo has been invited as one of the guest speakers alongside other world leaders such as Kenyan President William Ruto, former President of the African Development Bank, Mr. Donald Kaberuka, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, among others.

Specifically, Osinbajo will at-

the move is also a sign of what to expect going forward.

Expressing the workers dismay at the development, Ugboaja said: “They have withdrawn the permission and they don’t want to talk to us, the Minister of FCT has withdrawn our permission to use Eagle Square for the May Day and clearly he is speaking for his government, it means the government doesn’t want to address the workers, so they don’t appreciate the work the

workers have put in over the years.

“The reason they gave was that they were renovating the Eagle Square for usage on May 29 and we’ll find it to be ultra lame this is not the first time there will be an inauguration we have had more than five to seven inaugurations in the past two decades and we have always held May Day in the Eagle Square.

“It’s a Workers’ Day, we had sought the permission to use a

DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE…

venue and it was granted to us and later withdrawn, so it has nothing to do with the Minister of Labour. The Minister of FCT through his agents sent us a letter yesterday,” he said.

On the implication of the cancellation of the venue on the celebration and what it portends for governmentlabour relations, Ugboaja said workers will go ahead with their May Day rally and will talk to themselves whether anyone from government

attends or not.

“The May Day Rally will hold but not in Eagle Square but the workers will mark their day from the NLC to every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

“If the withdrawal of our permission to use the Eagle Square is a snippet of what they (workers) should expect, we are ready and from the way we have adjusted to it, will prove to them that we are ready for whatever they are going to throw at us,” he said.

DSO: BON Rejects NCC’s Planned Sale of 600MHZ Spectrum Band

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has rejected the planned sale of the 600MHz spectrum band exclusively allocated to broadcasting in the country.

The rejection was conveyed via a letter to the Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, Executive Secretary of BON.

the Digital Switchover (DSO) as stipulated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and as stated in the federal government White Paper on digitisation.

tend the IGW Africa Leadership opening ceremony later today and speak at the first session tomorrow. He will join other leaders to discuss ‘Africa’s Weight in the World, Highlighting the Continent’s Assets and Potentials’.

At the opening ceremony, the Vice President would join the latest Mo Ibrahim Laureate President, Mahamadou Issoufou who would be celebrated in person at an event to be attended by leaders from Africa and across the world.

Issoufou is the immediate past president of Niger who won the 2020 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. He is the sixth recipient of the prize, which recognises and celebrates excellence in African leadership.)

Besides participating in the IGW, the Vice President is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with President Ruto and the British Minister of State for Development and Africa, Rt. Hon. Andrew Mitchell MP.

The letter titled ‘An Urgent Call to NBC to Save Television Broadcasting from Extermination’ and dated 25 April 2023, called on the NBC to take the required legal steps to prevent the sale of the spectrum band until after the completion of

Bamgbose cautioned that a sale of the band before the analogue switch-off will result in the denial of access to television broadcasting of over 80 per cent of Nigerians, who depend on it for information and public enlightenment.

“Our attention has been drawn to an advertisement placed by the NCC, titled ‘Availability of Frequency Slots in the 600 MHz Spectrum Band’, published on March 23, 2023.

“In the said advertisement, the NCC brought notice to the general public on the availability of frequency slots in the 600MHz spectrum band for sale. The advertisement further stated that submission of interest closes on or before the close of business on April 28, 2023.

“Director General, Sir, if this sale of the primary spectrum allocated to broadcasting is allowed to happen, all television stations operating on frequency 600MHz will be affected negatively.

“Those that will be affected include all DTT operators; ITS; Pinnacle; many private television stations; majority of state

government-owned stations; some NTA community and state stations operating within the range of 600MHz frequency.

“The Director General will recall that the frequency 700800MHz, housing some state government-owned and private stations, have been sold to telecom operators, a decision that has created problems that have not been resolved,” Bamgbose stated in the letter.

He similarly stated that if the proposed sale of the spectrum by NCC goes ahead, it will leave the country’s broadcast space for unhindered penetration by foreign media organs, negative consequences of which he said will be significant.

Buhari: Ogoni Power Project Will Spur Economic Development, Create Jobs

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday flagged off the construction of the Ogoni Power Project, expressing confidence that the project upon completion will spur socio-economic development of Ogoniland, create job opportunities for artisans and enhance entrepreneurial growth.

The President, according to a press release issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, virtually participated in the groundbreaking of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration and the Ogoni 100 Bed Specialist Hospital,

performed on his behalf by the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi at Wiiya Akara, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State.

On the power project, President Buhari noted that it will bring sustainability to the potable water schemes, livelihood programme, Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and the specialist hospital projects being undertaken by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

On the benefits of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital, the President said it would bring succour to those who over time have been

exposed to hydrocarbon pollution and other ailments associated with environmental pollution in the community.

He urged the Ogoni community to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Environment, HYPREP and the companies handling the execution of the projects.

According to him, the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, on whose site the groundbreaking cere mony was held, will provide capacity and research opportunities to scholars within Nigeria and around the world on environ-

mental remediation.

He said: ‘‘It will initiate studies on home grown methods and approaches to addressing oil pollution in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country, to Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

‘‘It is instructive to know that Ogoni clean-up is not the only project being undertaken by this administration to give the people a sense of belonging in national affairs.

‘‘This administration is constructing the Bodo/Bonny Road -a multi-billion-naira project to provide a link road to Bonny Island - host to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Plant.

L-R: Chairman, Governing Council, Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Alhaji Adamu Muazu and Minister of Works and Housing and Guest Lecturer, Babatunde Fashola, at the 38th Convocation Lecture of the school in Lagos… recently

NEWS EXTRA

FG Deploys NAF C-130H Aircraft to Evacuate Nigerians in Sudan

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has approved an aircraft in the fleet of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF C-130H for the evacuation exercise of Nigerians that are currently

stranded in Sudan following the political crises raging in the country.

A statement jointly signed by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs,

Oborevwori: Ex-UNIBEN V-C Heads 88-member Transition Committee

Omon-Julius

Onabu in Asaba

Governor-elect of Delta State, Ho.n Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday in Asaba, released an 88-member committee for his upcoming inauguration on May 29, 2023.

The release, signed personally by Oborevwori, shows that former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Emmanuel Nwanze, heads the inauguration committee.

Another academic egghead and former Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education under the Uduaghan administration, Prof. Hope Eghagha, will serve as Secretary to the committee.

The Oborevwori inauguration committee also has some past and current members of the state and national legislators as members, including Ben Ibakpa, Mofe Pirah, John Nani, Andrew Orugbo, Johnson Erijo, Basil Ganagana, Solomon Ighrakpata, John Mutu, Emmanuel Okoro, Paschal Adigwe, Anthony Elekeokwuri; the Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ferguson Onwo, the Assembly’s Chief Whip, Princess (Dr.) Pat Ajudua and Clerk of the House, Mrs. Lyna A. Acholor. Others include the Chief of Staff

to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Okowa, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Sir Fidelis Tilijie, Sunday Onoriode, former NDDC Managing Director, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, state NLC chief, Goodluck Ofobruku, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Dr. Barry Gbe, Caroline Orobosa Ukpe, Shimite Bello, Johnbull Edema, Kelly Penawou, Abel Esievo, Orode Uduaghan, daughter of ex-governor Uduaghan, PDP State Publicity Secretary, Ifeanyi M. Osuoza.

Prominent members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and ardent loyalists of former governor James Ibori, especially those who sided with the main opposition party in the build-up to the March 18, 2023 governorship election, are conspicuously missing from the Oborevwori inauguration committee.

They include former Higher Education Commissioner, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, former ALGON chief, Itiako Ikpokpo, former SSG Chiedu Ebie, Mrs. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu (ex-governor Ibori’s daughter and lawmaker), Hon. Faith Majemite, governorship aspirant David Edevbie and Senator Ighoyota Amori.

NDDC Board, Management Fight Dirty over $15bn N’Delta Railway Network

The board and management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are at loggerheads over the recent signing of a $15 billion railway line contractor, meant to traverse the entire Niger Delta region.

The board led by its Chairman, Lauretta Onochie, has therefore disowned the alleged deal stressing that the same contract had been awarded by the federal government in 2021.

However, the management in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Abosede Ibitoye, stressed that the multi-billion project was still at the initial stages, insisting that the contract remains legal and binding.

Onochie explained that the purported signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between a US firm, Atlanta Global Resources Inc. and the NDDC for the construction of a mega rail project across the Niger Delta, from Lagos to Calabar was done without her knowledge and without the authorisation or consent of the board.

Describing it as ‘shady’, Onochie in a statement she

Ambassador Janet Olisa and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, announced the resolution in a joint statement.

The statement said the NAF aircraft which departed Abuja yesterday, has received clearance alongside Air Peace and other airlines to fly to Egypt to pick up the stranded Nigerians.

Olisa and Sani-Gwarzo said the Nigerian Mission in Egypt was liaising with the Egyptian authorities to facilitate the evacuation exercise by providing emergency entry documents and holding shelters, until the stranded Nigerians were airlifted back to Nigeria.

The statement added that arrangements were being concluded

to airlift all Nigerians that have already escaped on their own to safety in other countries neighbouring Sudan.

The Foreign Affairs and the Humanitarian Affairs ministries convened a Situation Room, on the evacuation of Nigerian nationals from Sudan chaired by Sani-Gwarzo. The Situation Room meets daily.

Members of the Situation Room also include National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Office of the Chief of Staff, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Nigerian Air Force

CELEBRATING AN ICON…

personally signed, characterised the deal as ‘illegal’. She argued that by the act establishing the NDDC(Act No 6, of 2000), it is the chairman of the board that is solely vested with the power to sign MoUs with any organisation.

She added that Part II of the NDDC Act, Section 8, sub sections (a) and (e), among other provisions, specifically state inter Alia; “the board shall have power to manage and supervise affairs of the commission as well as enter into such contracts as may be necessary or expedient for the discharge of its functions and ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the commission.”

Onochie posited that the socalled US company, Atlanta Global Resources , has no expertise or experience in any form of construction, let alone, railway construction.

“This company is a management and export consulting firm and is without known notable directors,” she posited.

According to her, the signing of the MoU to the tune of $15 billion with such an organisation was not only suspect, but dubious.

(NAF). Other members include the various Nigerian Foreign Missions relevant to the evacuation exercise.

The statement said after President Muhammadu Buhari, approved the immediate deployment of both human and financial resources towards the evacuation of Nigerians caught up in the Sudan crisis, 40 buses had been secured in Sudan to convey the students and other Nigerians from Khartoum to Aswan border in Egypt, which is one of the identified safe reception borders.

Olisa and Sani-Gwarzo added that arrangements were being concluded to airlift all Nigerians that have already escaped on their own to safety in other countries neighbouring Sudan. Some Nigerian students who found their way to the Ethiopian border

last week’s Saturday and got stranded were allowed entry into Ethiopia on Monday following the intervention of some Nigerian leaders.

They said the students were safe and in good condition and had already made personal travel arrangements to return to Nigeria. Also another group of Nigerians assisted by the government of United Arab Emirates arrived in Jeddah and are being taken care of by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

They said arrangements were being made to bring them back home safely, noting that the initial hitches encountered during the commencement of the exercise, including incidents of bus drivers stopping in the desert due to non-payment had been resolved.

Accident Claims 14, 5 Others Injured in Bauchi

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Fourteen people lost their lives in a road accident that occurred at Zangoro, a community along Bauchi-Maiduguri Expressway yesterday afternoon. While five others were variously injured.

While confirming the accident, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bauchi, Yusuf Abdullahi, said two

Shehu

vehicles, a yellow commercial Golf 3 Wagon with registration number AJ507GWA and an Ash Chevrolet with registration number, 15B07BA used for private purposes were involved.

According to the Sector Commander, 19 people comprising 10 female adults, seven male adults, one female child and one male child were involved in the road accident.

He said out of the 14 killed, 10 are female adults, two male adults, one male child and one female child.

Abdullahi fingered speed limit violation (SPV) as being responsible for the accident.

“Items recovered from the scene of the crash as announced by FRSC included: the sum of N73,000,00; seven phones; one power bank and four small

handbags.

“The action taken by FRSC personnel was that the injured victims and the dead bodies were taken to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi for medical attention and confirmation after which the dead bodies were deposited at the morgue of the hospital,” the Sector Commander said.

Sani: Ugwuanyi Has Touched Lives Beyond Enugu State

Shehu Sani who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial in the 8th Senate has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the unique leadership role he plays in promoting good governance, peace, justice and national unity, disclosing that the governor has touched the lives of many people not only in the state but also beyond.

Sani, author, playwright and human rights activist, said that Ugwuanyi is “a friend for which Enugu State has become a home not only for the people of South East zone but also for the people of Nigeria.”

Delivering his goodwill message during the second edition of “Handshake Across Nigeria” in Enugu, organised by Nzuko Umunna, Sani told Ugwuanyi that he has done marvelously

in office, despite numerous challenges in the country, in providing quality leadership and peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State, and making the state a safe place for indigenes and non-indigenes.

“Your Excellency, you have something which to many of us is marvelous each time we are coming to this Eastern part of Nigeria. Like when I was coming to this event, my family members were asking me where specifically are you going? I said I am going to Enugu and they said there is no problem.

“We thank you for your service and I believe that your successor will not have a burden of taking over from what you have done to ensure that he too keeps the legacy of supporting this organisation (Nzuko Umunna). That is an organisation that has

been reaching out to people far and beyond.

“Thank you Nzuko Umunna for this opportunity. Continue to build bridges until the whole of Nigeria believe that each and every part of Nigeria and any person in Nigeria has the right to lead this country”, he said.

The event, which was the brain child of disruptive Igbo global Think Tank and Professionals, committed to expanding friendships and cementing bonds between Ndigbo and other nationalities of Nigeria to raise the bar of profiling the country’s diversities as a source of strength rather than weakness, witnessed the formal presentation of a book, “Nzuko Umunna Chronicles” as well as the inauguration of New Executives of the non-partisan body of committed optimists,

under the leadership of Prof. Chinedu Nebo.

The host governor, Ugwuanyi was equally eulogised by the Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse, Ozekhome and Prof. Nebo for his bridge-building initiative, hospitality, commitment to peace, justice and national unity as well as his administration’s unprecedented rural development trajectory in the state.

Ozekhome stated that Governor Ugwuanyi has “done much for the state, turning it around from a rural settlement to a mega place”.

Tor Tiv, Prof. Ayatse, while appreciating Governor Ugwuanyi in a special way for being “a good neighbour of the Tiv nation”, thanked the governor for the warm hospitality he accorded him and other visitors to the historic event in Enugu “from yesterday till today.”

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

L-R: Husband of the celebrant, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili; former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and her brother Chidi Umeh, during the thanksgiving service to mark the former minister’s 60th birthday in Abuja… yesterday. KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Onochie-ledboarddisownscontract

POWER EXCHANGERS…

Otedola Bows out as Elumelu’s Stake in Transcorp Hits 29.5%

Kayode Tokede

Billionaire investor, Mr. Femi investment in Transcorp InElumelu’s HH Capital Limited purchasing more stake in thedisclosed that HH Capital Limited acquired 1,999,784,173, bringing its total stake to 11,990,957,350 units, representing 29.5per cent of the 28, 2023.

previous communication, the superior stakeholders’ returns,mitted to remaining resolute in making strategic investments in

Elumelu had acquired 9,697,189,984 units of shares, bringing its total holdings in Transcorp Incorporated to 9,991,173,177 units, representing

Femi Otedola had announced in cent of Transcorp making him the second-largest shareholder for the share price of the stock, In response to Femi Otedola’s acquisition, Elemelu consolidatedship stake to about 25per cent

Anambra Police Arrest Three Suspected IPOB Members During Robbery Operation

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

enous People of Biafra (IPOB) have disclosed this in a press release made policemen at a checkpoint in a Command in our fight against

made significant progress in reducing crime rates and ensuringscreening. The operatives engaged the armed men in gun battle, rescued one of their victims and arrested three of the gang members suspected to members.

Death Toll from Jos Tanker Explosion Hits 14

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

26th, 2023.

Capital Limited, Femi Otedola, according to capital market source had sold all of his stake to Elumelu conglomerate.

a total of 2,413,144,252 shares

PDP to Buhari: Your Gloating Over APC Rigging is Reckless

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

scribed as unfortunate and reckless, the un-presidential conduct and subjudice comments credited to the President Muhammadu causing apprehension and

2023 Presidential election has been adjudged across

tion of the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal

ence at the national secretariat

Guidelines; manipulation of processes, alteration of genuine results from Polling Units, announcement of fabricated

Buhari Expresses Satisfaction in ongoing Fight Against Crime in Gulf of Guinea

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

President Muhammadu Buhari

other maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea, just as he has announced that Nigeria remains committed to spearheading the efforts in tackling handle, recalled that in 2019 he and Other Maritime Offences

of Guinea.

Organised Crime in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea’ at a national boats, vehicles and aircraft.

resentment and anger across and the pervading international contempt against Nigeria since the declaration President-elect are ominous testaments that he does not from a credible electoral

Ologunagba stated further, of reclaiming the mandate at the Presidential election. are therefore appalled, horthe careless, unguarded he said.

Landlords Want TCN to Restore Power in Aba, End Sabotaging S’East Economy

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

continues to bite harder, landlords have called on the Transmission Operator to reconnect the comThe landlords under the aegis

calculated economic sabotage of The President General of of the association said that the To halt the damage being environs demanded that TCN-MO should lift the disconnection order 24 hours.

has risen to 14. had died and their remains after its driver lost control of injured in the accident and The police in a statement

that four of the injured persons could not recover and had died that the accident occurred at adding that the driver of the tanker lost control of the truck that as the driver struggled caused monumental havoc.

Police Foil Abduction of Katsina Renowned Businessman, Kill Two Terrorists

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Police operatives in Katsina arrested and arraigned in court

Malumfashi in 2020.

Kura Village of Malumfashi local the invasion, investigated and charged to court in 2020.

his arraignment and resumed his nefarious activities in the state.

businessman in the state. based on credible intelligence.kidnappers.

NIPSS Alumni Executive Postpones Annual General Meeting

members.

concerns.

and after due deliberation and

state chapters and NEC present agencies, the meeting decided to

L–R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Kogi State APC ‘s gubernatorial candidate, Usman Ododo, during the presentation of Ododo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday. GODWIN OMOIGUI

UNITED WE STAND…

Methodist Church Synod Condemns Govt’s Inability to Curb Insecurity

Bennett Oghifo

The 17th Synod of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, has said that Nigeria remains “a laughing stock among nations due to her apparent inability to rein in and curb the growing spate of violence, kidnappings and killings in the country.”

The Synod, which was held at the Methodist Cathedral of Blessing, Palm Avenue, Mushin, Lagos with the theme “Contending for the Faith”, taken from the scriptural text, Jude 1:3, was under the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit and the able leadership of The Rt. Rev Ezekiel Olayinka Akande, Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Methodist Church Nigeria.

The Synod’s communique noted that Christianity has continued to contend with

relentless and increasingly violent physical, moral and spiritual attacks globally with cases of mass killings of Christians, destruction of their places of worship and a deliberate resolve to undermine the Christian faith assuming alarming proportions in many countries, including Nigeria.

It decried the apparent complicity and unwillingness of Governments and relevant authorities to condemn and effectively confront the worrisome trend with decisive punitive actions against the perpetrators.

Citing the cases of the gruesome murder of Deborah Samuel Yakubu in Sokoto in May 2022 for alleged blasphemy (in a supposedly secular nation), as well as the mindless and unconscionable killing of Christians in Northern states, particularly Kaduna, Plateau, Zamfara and Katsina.

Sirika: N7.48bn Hadejia Airport Not for Glamour Education, Good Behaviour, Will Open Many Doors for You, Obi Tells Students

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Aviation, Haidi Sirika, yesterday, said the decision of the federal government to reestablish air transportation to Hadejia in Jigawa State was not for the glamour of having an airport but for the inherent

The project, which is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation at the cost of N7.48bn, has a completion period of 18 months.

Sirika, noted that the airport will be used not only to transport agricultural products from Jigawa and other neighbouring states to

beyond, but also in combating the scourge of insecurity in the northern part of the country.

The minister who made the declaration during the groundbreaking ceremony of Hadejia Airport in Jigawa State also disclosed that the initiative by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is aimed at combating crime and insecurity while also promoting the free movement of people and goods.

The minister in a statement issued in Abuja said that the administration had committed in recognition of the crucial role aviation can play in enhancing the security architecture of the country.

Runsewe Drums Support for Nike Art Gallery

Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has described the proprietor of Nike Art Gallery, Mrs. Oyenike Monica Okundaye, as a woman of substance with an overriding motivation to revolutionise and empower young men and women with creative skills not only in the arts and crafts but also in traditional adire making that will make them self-employed and employers of labour in the nearest future.

Runsewe stated this during his visit to Nike Art Gallery on Airport Road in Abuja.

The NCAC boss in conjunction with the major stakeholders

in the culture and tourism industry gathered at Nike Art Gallery to celebrate the commitment, hard work, creative, ingenuity and sheer resilience of an outstanding personality in the art and culture sector, Mrs. Nike Okundaye.

Runsewe added that Nike Art Gallery with centres in Osogbo, Lagos, Kogi and now in Abuja, is providing employment for thousands of unemployed Nigerians.

He noted that the numerous activities of Mama Nike in the art galleries are impacting the Nigerian economy by contributing to our Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and stimulating overall economic growth.

2023: LP Tackles Buhari, Insists APC Stole Its Mandate

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

The Labour Party (LP) has lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari over a statement the party described as distortion of facts and standing truth on its head.

This is even as the party insisted that it won the February 25 presidential election as against the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Buhari had in a statement by his Senior Special

According to him, “By connecting markets, people and cultures, the initiative seeks to strengthen the country’s economy and promote food security.

“Today we are performing the groundbreaking ceremony to re-establish air transportation in this very historic city town of Hadejia. We are very delighted for very many reasons.

“The purpose for which the Buhari administration found and establish to commit resources to this venture are very many but on top of them is the way the security architecture of the country has changed, and aviation taking centre stage in combating crime and insecurity as well as the focus of the government of

President Muhammadu Buhari on agriculture and food security as well as the free movement manner to connect market to market, people to people and culture to culture, history to history and tradition to tradition.”

Reiterating the importance of Hadejia and the need for the airport, the minister said, “You cannot discuss history to tradition, culture, and market and eliminate Hadejia. It is incomplete.

“The place with a very huge culture, aviation, and market and therefore leaving them out of the map where it can be accessed through air transportation is a mistake and unthinkable and we think that we should correct it.

US, Nigeria Conclude Deal on Super Tucano Fighter Jets, Train 24 Pilots

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, inaugurated operations support facilities and winged six additional pilots of the A-29 Super Tucano (A-29ST) aircraft.

This comes as it announced plans to induct new platforms into its order of battle as part of activities to mark the 59th anniversary celebration scheduled to hold from May 4-7, 2023 at the NAF Base, Emene, Enugu State.

The Chairman Organising Committee, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Day Celebration 2023, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh, who made this known at

the new platforms to be inducted are DA-62, Wing Loong II UAV and CW 40 UAV. An earlier NAF statement said the latest facility induction in Kainji, Niger State, was a major milestone recorded by the service in its acquisition of the United States-made aircraft.

projects by the Government of the United States as part of the government-to-government sale of the A-29ST aircraft to Nigeria.

The occasion was chaired by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Idi Lubo, who represented the Chief Oladayo Amao.

Award Scam: CIOB Impersonator

Suspends

Programme after THISDAY Report

Omolabake Fashogbon

Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said, “that the opposition parties lost the 2023 presidential election because of their “overconfidence, complacency and bad tactical moves, and which he claimed created more problems for them.”

The President further asserted that “while the APC was working hard to retain power in the recent elections, the combined opposition was busy telling their foreign backers that they would defeat the APC.”

The initiator of the CIOB Meet Nigeria award and exhibition programme has suspended the event after THISDAY investigation that exposed the programme to be a scam.

THISDAY report revealed how one Onabekun allegedly impersonated a global building professional body in the United Kingdom , Chartered Institute of Building, CIOB, which he claimed to be the organisers

The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has reminded students across the country, the need to take their education more seriously, saying that good education, when combined with right attitude and behaviour will open many doors for them in life.

Obi, a very vocal enthusiast for education, made the remarks yesterday at the third year remembrance of His Majesty Eze Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, novelist and former Traditional Leader of Ndikelionwu, organised by the Nigerian Book Foundation. He explained to the students that

good education and not money will make them great in life.

He maintained that education remains the best inheritance he received from his parents. Narrating his journey in life, Obi recalled how as a young student he met and was inspired by many champions of education.

Obi told the students of how, as a young student, he encountered great men like the late Igbo Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu; former President of Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon; Nigerian Cardinal of the Catholic Church, Francis Cardinal Arinze; at various times.

Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, Tony Elumelu, Others to Attend Book Launch on ‘Ife the Cradle of World

All is now set for the launch of a historical book ‘Ife the Cradle of World’ written by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Amb. Maureen Tamuno. According to a statement, the kind, is based on the ancestral linkages stemming from the ancient city of Ile-Ife.

It would be recalled that the city is considered as the traditional birthplace and ancestral home of the Yoruba, with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II as the current and 51st King.

The publication documents contain the incredible culture and rich history as well as

Masari Role Model in Security Management, Says Aide

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

showcasing the link between the Yoruba nation and the people of the Caribbean and African Americans who are believed to have migrated as a result of the slave trade to countries such as Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil, Haiti and some parts of America.

The book also focuses on four thematic areas; History, Culture, Tourism, and Business. Thus, briefties of the people of Ile-Ife (Yoruba nation) with other countries from historians/diplomats.

of the programme.

As a result, he was able to lure many including the Nigerian government, professional builders and investors to sponsor the programme with a promise of helping them to get a membership status of the institute or get an industry award from CIOB as the case maybe.

Investigation revealed how the unsuspecting persons were made to pay up to N10 million for the non existing industry award from CIOB and membership.

The Special Adviser on Security to Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State, Ibrahim Ahmed-Katsina, has praised the governor for restoring security not only in Katsina, but in the North-west region of the country.

Ahmed-Katsina, in an interactive session with some journalists, described his principal as a role model in security management in Nigeria who had restored peace in the hitherto banditryravaged state.

L-R: Founder of Nike Art Gallery, Chief Oyenike Monica Okundaye popularly known as Mama Nike receiving the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, to her art gallery in Abuja...recently

Kaigama to FG

PENDULUM

Mike Adenuga: The Spirit of Africa @70

Fellow Nigerians, exactly 70 years ago, on Wednesday, April 29, 1953, an exceptional baby was born. As was customary with the Yoruba people of old Western Region of Nigeria, he would soon be given names that would reflect the circumstances of his birth and the observations of his parents around the period.

Thus, he was named Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Isola Adenuga, at his christening. One of these powerful names soon became a prophecy fulfilled. AGBOLADE is the child who has attracted wealth to his family. If the Adenugas thought they were already successful and prosperous, their son, Mike Adenuga Jr. would soon be known globally as one of the world’s wealthiest humans on planet earth.

I will not bore you with his biography since the cyberspace is already awash with tales of his uncommon trajectory. I’m here to demonstrate why I’m convinced that the celebrant of today is a special creation of God sent to this world to touch countless lives.

As for me and my house, I consider my encounters with him as being spiritually ordained. Not many people can boast of seeing and knowing Adenuga at close range. I’m privileged to have Dr. Adenuga as my mentor and benefactor. I can readily write a PhD thesis on the extraordinary nature of the Spirit of Africa, a spirit you hardly see but feel his impact all around you.

I’m very convinced that only God could have sent Dr Adenuga to me. Our relationship is undoubtedly divine.

I bless the day I met Dr Adenuga in 1991. More than money, I have gained much more from having substantial access to him and drinking endlessly from his fountain of knowledge than the wealth he has splashed on me and so many others. While most people see his billions in dollars, I see his intellectual prowess in trillions. I pray that technology will give us opportunities to clone such brains as I doubt if similar geniuses are still manufactured these days. I will never get tired of learning at his feet.

Let me now give you just a few of our encounters.

Adenuga, the generous giver: I can confidently say, Mike Adenuga is the most generous man or woman alive. If you know of any other, please write your own piece. I know of people who have become billionaires in Naira/assets from the regular support Adenuga gives them. All it takes is to impress him repeatedly with performance and loyalty. No amount is too big for Adenuga to give his friends and associates. He believes in the reward system. I once asked why he gives out so much. His response was a classic. “If you have a Billionaire as your friend, his wealth must reflect on you...” What

a response!

In 2015, I got a call to pick up a car at Banana Island which he bought for me. I wasn’t surprised that he bought me a car, since he gives more than 50 exotic cars out every year, I was stunned that he bought me the most expensive car in the Audi family, Audi A8L. I was later told he bought about ten of those luxury cars and gave them out. I know of a family he gave the husband a Range Rover and the wife a RAV 4. These are not Tokunbo vehicles (used cars) but brand new. Adenuga does not believe in dolling out peanuts to people. One encounter is enough to leave you dazed eternally. If you are smart and can manage your business well, you should be made for life.

Adenuga, a loyal friend in the days of tribulations... In 1995, I got into serious trouble with the Abacha government and I needed to literally vamoose and I reached out to Adenuga for help. I was pleasantly surprised when he gave financial support as risky as it was then. And during my exile years in England, he supported me every year till I returned home. Unlike others who would expect you to become a slave thereafter, I was treated with love and respect.

When I started Ovation International in London and the company ran into trouble, I wrote to Adenuga and asked him to take over since I didn’t want my dream to evaporate. His response again was brilliant and encouraging... “Ovation is your baby, work harder at it...” He kept giving me the necessary support periodically without requesting for my

flesh and blood.

Adenuga respects reciprocity in relationships... He tries hard to reciprocate kind deeds you make to him. A year after he bought me the Audi, I did something that really touched him in 2016. He invited me to his Bellissima Palace on Banana Island. As I sat down, he thanked me profusely for my love for him. Then to my greatest surprise and joy, he announced very calmly: “I have just ordered you a Range Rover, the only problem is that the dealer only have it in white color...” Jesus, I screamed: “Chairman, you just gave me the Audi A8L last year, this is unexpected Sir...” He smiled and told me: “Our Bob Dee, you’re a great guy and you deserve anything I can give... I will let you know when the Range is available in black, because black will look good on you, and send it to you...” And when the car was ready, he told me to wait for someone at Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, where it was delivered to me. Let me confirm to you that both cars he gave me in one year cost him N85 million... Let’s not talk about other transactions at home and abroad, including well funded foreign assignments.

Adenuga hates the word impossibility... One beautiful morning, I landed in Dubai. As I was checking into my hotel, a call came through from his top aide, Mr Bode Opeseitan. “Bob Dee Sir, Chairman wants to have dinner with you and a few friends at home tomorrow...” Wonderful Lord, the Devil is a liar, I soliloquised. This was an opportunity I had waited for so patiently. A dinner with Adenuga is always a treat. He is a man of extraordinary culinary taste and style... He spoils his guests with the best of cuisines, washed down with an assortment of cocktails, white and red wines, champagnes and cognacs... He sends me cartons of these expensive drinks, from time to time. Sorry, about this digression. This is a rare opportunity to say just about one percent of our interactions.

I had to abort my stay in Dubai with automatic alacrity. How can a whole Adenuga invite me to dinner and I will tell him I can’t come because I’m in Dubai. So I told Bode to tell Chairman, I will honor his invitation, no matter what it would take.

So I called Emirates and moved my next flight to London backwards and left for London same afternoon. Fortunately, I landed in London by about 6.30pm and was able to board the 10.30pm Virgin Atlantic flight from same Heathrow Terminal 3 to Lagos. Because of Adenuga, I made a round trip of Accra to Dubai to London to Lagos in less than 24 hours. But it paid off handsomely. At that dinner, I sealed a mega deal of the Ovation Carol sponsorship with Glo... “Bode, please, tell your sponsorship team to give Bob Dee whatever is required to make Ovation

Carol a success...” What a Spirit!

Adenuga’s battle with photographers... For a man so charming and handsome, Adenuga does not like cameras around him. I’m lucky to have had many pictures with him. When I started handling his media relations in 1992, I was being paid to shield him from publicity, whether good or bad. It was difficult, if not impossible, to get any clear picture of Adenuga in media files. His favourite words are “I’m hiding under the parapet...” When I complain about the way he’s being undervalued on the annual Rich List, he used to tell me: “I’m not desperate to be listed as number one. I’m comfortable wherever they put me. Those who understand the game know the real wealth.”

On one occasion, about 12 years ago, he agreed to open up his books to a few of us. His nationwide and international real estate portfolio was so staggering that we became dizzy just looking from city to city. He owns one of the most priced properties in Johannesburg and he’s a neighbour of the current President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa. His properties litter several world capitals. We gained access to the stupendous assets of GLO and GLO 1 and could not believe the figures staring at us. It is difficult to contemplate how one man could ever think of stretching the limits of technology by laying submarine cables under the Atlantic ocean from Europe to West Africa.

His gargantuan operations at ConOil was another matter entirely with huge investments in exploration, in upstream and downstream. The gas deposits were beyond imagination. What a blessed man!

Adenuga and his battle with cameras... It has been a struggle getting him to agree to take pictures even for his 70th. For a man who can afford the biggest photographers in the world, he only allowed one young talented Nigerian Photographer, Jeffrey Olalekan, to take his pictures and Maureen Ekezie, to clean up the job. What an enigma!

Let me give one more encounter, a very recent one, since there are too many tributes to read on Adenuga today. He called me two days ago to complain that the noise about his 70th birthday is getting too loud. So I pleaded with him to allow us celebrate him this time around and that I believe this one is beyond his control. It is not his style but his friends, associates and disciples have decided to celebrate him big time, whether he agrees or not.

Just imagine a newspaper edition in which you have Segun Adeniyi, Simon Kolawole, Reuben Abati, Nduka Irabor, Yemi Ogunbiyi, with congratulatory messages pouring in from well-wishers. What more can a man ask for from God?

Today na today...

Happy birthday to the Spirit of Africa...

“It is sad that despite the promises of the government to ensure the safety of its citizens, heinous acts of criminality continue to fester in different communities across the nation” –The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama lamenting about insecurity nationwide.