SATURDAY 6TH MAY 2023

World at Standstill for King Charles’ Coronation Today

Bennett Oghifo with agency report

World attention will be focused on Britain today as its first coronation in 70 years takes place, with the crowning of Charles III as king in an elaborate Christian ceremony steeped in solemn ritual and more

than a millennium of history.

Leaders from across the world, including President Muhammadu Buhari are already in London for the historic event.

The presidents of France and Germany and senior EU leaders will also be among the 2,300 guests attending, along with global royalty.

The coronation, the first of a British king since 1937, is the religious confirmation of his accession after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, last September.

Much of the Anglican service at London’s Westminster Abbey, which will also crown Charles’

second wife Camilla as queen - would be recognisable to the 74-year-old king’s forebears 1,000 years ago.

But there will also be a clear departure with the involvement of women bishops, minority faith leaders and a more diverse and representative guest list of British

society than the lords and ladies of old.

So too is the environmental theme at the ceremony, including vegan anointing oil and recycled ceremonial garb, reflecting Charles’s lifelong championing of sustainability and biodiversity.

Coronation organiser, the

Earl Marshal, Duke of Norfolk Edward Fitzalan-Howard, called the event “a proud moment” in British history.

“During the coronation, the king will swear before God and the nation to serve our country

Continued on page 5

Buhari Holds Valedictory Exco Meeting May 18... Page

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Organ Trafficking: UK Court Jails Ekweremadu 10 Years

Wife bags 4 years and 6 months

Ahamefula Ogbu in Lagos and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu was yesterday handed a nine years

and eight months jail term for organ trafficking by the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, United Kingdom.

Justice Jeremy Johnson of a London court handed down

the jail term upon conviction of Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice and a UK based Medical Doctor, Obinna Obeta (who acted as the middleman) on March 23 of the said offence. The jury held

that they conspired to bring a 21-year-old, at the centre of the matter, to London to exploit him for his kidney. While Mrs Ekweremadu is to remain in a London prison for the

next four years and six months, Dr Obeta, besides bagging a 10-year imprisonment, has his medical licence suspended. However, according to Justice Johnson, after deducting the

period already spent in detention, Ekweremadu will spend about 5/6 years in prison (2/3 of his 9+ year prison sentence) while his

Continued on page 5

In 13th-Year Memoriam of Umaru Yar’Adua, Jonathan, Atiku, Tinubu Extol Ex-President

Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Former President Goodluck

Jonathan, former Vice-President

Atiku Abubakar and Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu yesterday paid tributes to ex-President Umaru Yar’Adua, to mark the 13th year of his death.

Yar’Adua was sworn in as President in 2007 but died in 2010 before completing his first term, and Jonathan took over as acting President and later became the President.

Jonathan, who was Yar’Adua‘s deputy, described him as a “great and selfless leader.”

In a post shared via his Twitter handle yesterday, he wrote, “On this day thirteen years ago, our nation lost a great and selfless leader, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He was a man of peace, justice and accountability.

“We look back with

appreciation to God for his life and his impact on our nation.

“President Yar’Adua was an exemplary leader, who lived above ethnic and religious sentiments. And his public life inspired many positively.

“Today, we remember him for his life of service, dedication and commitment to a united and prosperous nation.

“We will continue to remember him for his developmental strides and his commitment to the peace and progress of Nigeria. – GEJ”

Atiku described the late Yar’Adua as a devoted leader and champion of democracy. He said the deceased was a beacon of humility and integrity, adding that despite his illness, he fought for a better Nigeria and set the path for future leaders.

“President Yar’Adua was a beacon of humility and integrity, acknowledging the shortcomings

Continued on page 5

Buhari: 2023 Polls Taught Nigeria

CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III…

Great Lessons...Page 8

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku and King Charles III of Britain at the Commonwealth Leaders Summit, part of the major events leading to the coronation of Charles III as King of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Commonwealth, in London…yesterday.

Report Links 20 Properties to Tinubu, Associates in UK

Our Correspondents

The president-elect, Bola Tinubu and some of his associates have again been linked to 20 properties bought in the United Kingdom when he was serving as Lagos State governor.

According to an investigation published yesterday by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), 17 of the properties were bought by Oladipo Eludoyin, Tinubu’s associate and a director of Aranda Overseas Corp., between 2004

and 2007.

The OCCRP is a global network of investigative journalists with staff on six continents, whose main agenda is combating corruption and crime prevention.

Earlier on Tuesday, a Bloomberg investigation reported that

Seyi, Tinubu’s son, is the main shareholder of Aranda Overseas Corp. - an offshore company he used in purchasing a $10.8 million property under probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The OCCRP reported yesterday:

Buhari Holds Valedictory Exco Meeting May 18

Our Correspondents

A Programme of Event prepared by the Inauguration Committee for the May 29 Presidential swearing-in ceremony has revealed that outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari will hold a valedictory Federal Executive Council meeting on May 18.

The programme exclusively obtained by THISDAY also revealed that Buhari will between May 19 and 23 commission numerous projects across the country There will be a novelty football match/variety night on May 24,

followed by a public lecture on May 25.

Parade rehearsal and Night of Praise will be held on May 26.

There will be a Pre-inauguration dinner and Award Night on May 27, followed by Pre-inauguration and End of Tenure thanksgiving on May 28.

Inauguration of the new president and post-inauguration

Dinner will be held on May 29.

On the 4th of June, a -Post inauguration Thanksgiving will be held in Abuja.

On the 5th June, the National Assembly Proclamation will be held.

Ahead of the May 29 swearing-in ceremony, President Muhammadu Buhari had set up an inauguration committee chaired by the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha.

A statement entitled, “Constitution of the Interministerial Presidential Inauguration Committee,” and signed by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Olusegun Adekunle, listed other members of the inauguration committee to include the Ministers Information and Culture, Interior, Foreign Affairs, FCT, and the National Chairman of the ruling

All Progressives Congress, among others.

The terms of reference for the committee include “planning and execution of all approved activities for the inauguration, co-opting any organisation(s) person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programme; document for posterity, all planned activities for the Inauguration; and carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the programme.”

The committee was inaugurated on March 14.

“Tinubu, whose victory in February is being challenged in court, has been keeping part of his wealth in the United Kingdom, where he and his close associates own at least 20 properties that were mostly acquired when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State.

“OCCRP has uncovered more than a dozen other properties with links to Tinubu. Tinubu’s spokesman did not respond to email and text messages seeking comment,” the investigation reads.

“Tinubu’s history is not entirely clean. He was forced to forfeit $460,000 to the U.S. government in 1993 as proceeds of narcotics trafficking, according to the ruling of a U.S. District Court in Illinois.

“However, about a year later, Abeeb Holdings Limited, an offshore company registered in Gibraltar with Tinubu as the beneficial owner, bought Flat 9 at 96-100 New Cavendish Street in London.

also had a hand in controlling Aranda Overseas Corp. internal affairs.

“Fashola also had a hand in Aranda Resources Limited. He signed and presented the allotment of shares of Aranda Resources Limited to Nigeria’s corporate registry in December 2001. Fashola’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment.

“Sanwo-Olu was a director in Aranda Resources Limited until 26 days before his first day in office as governor in May 2019. His spokesperson also did not respond to requests for comment,” the report said. OCCRP reports further: Eludoyin's properties were purchased between 2004 and 2007 when Tinubu was governor of Lagos State. He did not respond to a request for comment.

wife will spend about 2 years in prison (one half of her 4+ years in prison).

Ekweremadu and Beatrice were arrested last year in London for bringing a Nigerian into that country for the purpose of harvesting his organ for his sick daughter, Sonia.

They were also convicted for conspiring to exploit the victim, who fled and took refuge at a London Police station, on hearing that he would be returned to Nigeria upon being discovered as a "mismatch".

Justice Johnson in his verdict had described the Nigerian senator as the “driving force throughout”, while Dr. Obeta was accused of targeting the potential donor who was said to be young, poor and vulnerable.

Ukpo was described as a poor street trader in Lagos

The verdict yesterday is the first of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 of the UK.

The Ekweremadus were arrested by the London Metropolitan Police in June 2022.

They were alleged to have attempted to convince doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in London to perform an £80,000 transplant on the donor who was presented as the cousin of their daughter Sonia.

During the trial, Hugh Davies, the prosecutor, told the court that the Ekweremadus and Obeta had treated the man and other potential donors as “disposable assets – spare parts for reward”.

He added that they entered an “emotionally cold commercial transaction” with the 21-year-old, offering him up to £7,000 in reward.

Although the couple apologised for claiming that the donor was a relative, they denied all accusations and maintained that they were the victim of a scam.

Obeta, who also denied the

charge, claimed the man was not offered a reward for his kidney and was acting altruistically.

Sonia, Ekweremadu’s 25-yearold daughter, did not enter any defence after presenting the court with a medical report claiming she is unfit for trial. She was not convicted. Sonia, 25, shed tears as she was cleared of the same charge after jurors deliberated for nearly 14 hours.

Between the conviction and sentencing, notable personalities around the world including former President Olusegun Obasanjo appealed to the UK government to be lenient with the Ekweremadus.

The senate, house of representatives, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), as well as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) parliament, also asked the UK court to “temper justice with mercy” and consider valuable contributions made by the lawmaker in Nigeria and West Africa.

In Britain, it is legal to donate a kidney, but not for financial or material reward.

It was the first-time organ harvesting conspiracy charges had been brought under the UK’s 2015 Modern Slavery Act.

Detective Inspector Esther Richardson, from the Metropolitan Police’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Command, called it a “landmark conviction” and thanked the victim for his “bravery” in coming forward.

During the weeks-long trial, the 21-year-old victim from Lagos, who cannot be named for legal reasons, testified that the Ekweremadus had flown him to Britain to harvest his kidney.

The kidney was said to be intended for Sonia, who remains on dialysis with a renal condition, in return for up to £7,000 ($8,800).

The man said he had been

recruited by a doctor working for the politician, and had thought he was coming to the UK to work.

He only realised it was for a kidney transplant when he was taken to London’s Royal Free Hospital last year, the court was told.

He fled and slept on the streets for three days after doctors there told him he would not be a suitable donor following preliminary tests and the Ekweremadus' move to return him to Lagos.

He eventually walked into a police station in May 2022 and said he was “looking for someone to save my life”, the court heard.

The trial judge agreed with prosecutors that he could try to flee the UK. His wife and daughter had been out on conditional bail.

Chief Crown Prosecutor Joanne Jakymec said it was a “horrific plot”, accusing the well-connected defendants of showing “utter disregard for the victim’s welfare, health and wellbeing”.

Around 20 people a day in Britain are diagnosed with kidney failure, necessitating prolonged dialysis treatment, and around 7,000 are waiting for a transplant from a suitable donor.

Informed consent is “a vital part of the organ donation programme” and thorough checks are made to ensure “no coercion”, Fiona Loud, policy director at the charity Kidney Care UK, told AFP.

Voluntary donors engage in “an act of great generosity”, she said.

Ekweremadu has represented the Enugu West for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party since 2003.

My Body Not For Sale, Says Organ-Harvesting Victim

The victim in the centre of Ekweremadu’s organ harvesting saga has said he is “not for sale”.

The victim, who cannot be named because of legal reasons,

claimed he was lured to the United Kingdom under the pretense of job opportunity in the country.

The victim said this in his impact statement which was read in court yesterday.

In the statement, the victim revealed his humble background in a Lagos village where he said he is the oldest of seven siblings living in a home without electricity or running water.

He was forced to become a street trader full time, moving to the city to provide for his family when his father fell ill with a heart problem. He sold mobile phone accessories from a wheelbarrow making at most £7 a day and as little as 50p, the report added.

He said he was approached with an opportunity to work in the UK, something he had “always dreamed of but never thought would happen.”

However, he said he was shocked to discover the reason for the trip was to harvest his organ to give to Ekweremadu’s daughter, Sonia.

“He (Dr Obinna Obeta) did not tell me he brought me here for this reason, he did not tell me anything about this. I would have not agreed to any of this, my body is not for sale,” the victim said.

He added that he could not return to Nigeria because he worries for his safety. The victim claimed someone visited his father in Nigeria and asked him to get the victim, his son, to drop the case.

“I worry for my safety in Nigeria; those people can do anything. I think they could arrest me or kill me in Nigeria,” he added.

He told the police he did not want to claim compensation from the “bad people” as it would be “cursed and bad luck”, the report added.

IN 13TH-YEAR MEMORIAM OF UMARU YAR’ADUA, JONATHAN, ATIKU, TINUBU EXTOL EX-PRESIDENT

is a testament to his passion for democracy and justice,” he wrote on Twitter.

Tinubu

good governance in Nigeria, late President Umaru Musa Yar'dua, who died on this day 13 years ago.

ORGAN TRAFFICKING: UK COURT JAILS EKWEREMADU 10 YEARS of the very election that brought him to power in 2007. His ability to recognise and strive for improvements in Nigeria’s electoral system speaks volumes about his character and his devotion to the nation.

“Despite the illness that eventually claimed his life, president Yar’Adua continued to fight for a better Nigeria, initiating a correcting process and setting a path for future leaders to follow. His enduring legacy

In his tribute, Tinubu expressed determination to follow the good examples set by leaders like Yar'adua. He said: "Today (Friday), as always, I remember my good friend and brother in the struggle for democracy and

"May 5, 2010 may have long gone but, for some of us, the wound is still fresh. We remember the day as much as we remember the purposeful life lived by Mallam Umaru Yar'dua.

"As a friend and political associate, I cherish the fond memories of honesty, steadfastness, patriotism and

“His connection to Abeeb Holdings Limited has been revealed, thanks to the Register of Overseas Entities, a new measure designed by the UK to reveal the true owners of offshore firms that hold property in the country,” reports OCCRP.

The OCCRP said it later found that Eludoyin is also the beneficial owner of 17 UK properties through three offshore companies registered in the British Virgin Islands.

The organisation added that Babatunde Fashola, Tinubu’s former aide and successor, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent governor of Lagos,

as head of state, upholding our laws and maintaining justice for all,” he told reporters.

The Duke, whose family has organised state events since 1483, said the coronation was also a chance to unite Britain and the 56-nation Commonwealth grouping, which Charles also heads.

Not everyone is in the mood to celebrate, however. Republican opponents who want an elected head of state plan to protest on the day with signs declaring “Not my king”.

Younger people, too, say the coronation - and the monarchy in general - leaves them cold, according to polling.

Further afield, Charles’s position looks increasingly tenuous as the hereditary monarch is in 14 Commonwealth countries outside the UK.

Jamaica could hold a referendum on severing ties with the monarchy as early as next year, according to Marlene Malahoo Forte, the Caribbean nation’s minister for legal and constitutional affairs.

“Jamaica in Jamaican hands,” she told Sky News. “Time to say goodbye!”

Australia is mulling constitutional change to give Indigenous people, once oppressed by the British crown, a greater institutional “voice” in policy making, which could presage future separation.

“Another director of Aranda Resources Limited and Aranda Overseas Corporation, Adegboyega Oyetola, was elected governor of the Nigerian southwestern state of Osun in 2018, and Tinubu was widely credited for his electoral success.

“It is not clear when he became the beneficial owner, but when Aranda Overseas Corporation was incorporated in November 1999 in the tax haven British Virgin Islands, the younger Tinubu was 14 and had just been admitted into Milton Abbey School in England for his secondary school education while his father had just spent nearly six months as the governor of Lagos State.”

international standing dented by its exit from the European Union.

The opulent display of jewels, crowns and gilded coaches, however, sits uneasily with many Britons struggling due to the rising cost of living, and widespread strike action for better pay.

“We are not living the same life. At this time people are struggling,” Eden Eawit, 38, told AFP in north London.

“I cook only two days a week, I eat only sandwiches. Some people are not eating at all. It is very hard,” she said.

Much of the final taxpayerfunded bill, widely estimated to be upwards of £100 million ($126 million), is likely to come from the huge security operation.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “A national occasion like this, a great state occasion, does attract huge global interest that more than repays the expenditure that goes with it.”

UKHospitality, a trade body, said the coronation weekend, which includes a public holiday on Monday, could generate £350 million for the sector including pubs.

All the stops have been pulled out for the biggest display of British pomp and pageantry in decades, outstripping the queen’s state funeral last September.

excellence in public service left behind by the late Yar'Adua both as governor of Katsina State (1999 to 2007) and president of Nigeria (2007 to 2010).

"As I prepare to take the reins of leadership of this country on May 29, I am determined to follow the good examples set by leaders like Mallam Umaru Yar'Adua who showcased exceptional sense of propriety and selfless service to our dear country."

Charles is also facing calls to apologise for his ancestors’ involvement in colonialism and the slave trade.

And South Africa has called for the return of the world’s largest diamond, which was unearthed under British rule and is now part of the crown jewels to be used in the abbey on Saturday.

Back home, political leaders will be hoping the coronation will show Britain at its best, going some way to repair the country’s

In all, around 7,000 military personnel - from mounted troops to marching bands - will take part in a parade rehearsed with minute precision.

Charles and Camilla will travel from Buckingham Palace in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, then back along the same route in the older Gold State Coach after the two-hour service at the abbey.

At the palace, they will take a salute from members of the armed forces, then watch a ceremonial fly-past from the balcony with other members of the royal family.

Suspended Adamawa REC to Report at Police HQ Weekdays

The Nigeria Police Force has ordered the embattled and suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, to report at its headquarters in Abuja every weekday.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson of the Police, Muyiwa Adejobi, they are still investigating the role Yunusa-Ari, who was arrested on Tuesday, played during the governorship

election in Adamawa

The statement said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby confirms that Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Suspended Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), who has been in custody for interrogations by the police in the course of investigations into allegations of impropriety during the supplementary gubernatorial pools in the state, has been granted administrative bail by the Police while investigations subsist.

“He is expected to report at

Sokoto New CP Resumes, Promises to Collaborate With Sister Agencies

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The newly posted Commissioner of Police to Sokoto State Police Command, CP Ali Hayatu Kaigama, has promised to sustain the synergy with sister security agencies in the state as well as members of the Nigeria Vigilante Organisation to combat all existing and emerging crimes bedevilling the state.

Addressing journalists during his maiden press briefing, Kaigama lamented the impact of activities of bandits and other violent crimes on the people of the state and promised to ensure the police alongside other security agencies fight crimes and criminality to standstill in and around the state.

CP Kaigama, who is the 47th Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State assured the people of the state to carry out visibility policing in accordance to global best practices while adhering strictly to the fundamental human rights principles.

He called on members of the society to partner the police in

combating crime while assuring stakeholders in the state that he will strengthen police -citizens relationship through the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) across all the divisions in the state as he also promised to build on the legacies of his predecessor.

He enjoined the people of the state to report criminals to the police saying their identity will not be revealed.

“When you see suspicious person in environment report to police, your identity will not be revealed,” he stated.

He further stated that security is everybody’s business stressing police alone cannot tackle the security challenges of the country.

“You know police can’t be everywhere, we have limited number of police in the country hence the need for all of you to assist the police.

“We will make sure we partner with other sister security agencies to secure the state,” he added.

Oke Ogun People Celebrate Installation of Kinsman as Monarch in Lagos

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The people of Oke-Ogun in Oyo State, under the aegis of Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF), have congratulated the first Oba of Ogombo in Lagos State, Oba Abiodun Muslim Ogunbo, who was recently installed by the Lagos State Government.

The Ogombo kingdom in Eti Osa Local Government Area has boundaries with areas such as Ajah, Sangotedo, Okun Ajah, among others, with the founders of the kingdom, coming from Saki in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, in the 17th century.

The National President, ODCF, Ahmed Raji, in a statement issued in Iseyin, yesterday, said the people of Oke-Ogun, are happy that the region has positively impacted the whole world with sons and daughters who have lived their lives to better humanity, stating that with the emergence of Oba Ogunbo, as the first

the Police Headquarters every weekday while investigations are ongoing on the matter,” he said Recall that on April 16, Yunusa-Ari usurped the role of the returning officer in the rerun governorship election in Adamawa State and declared Aisha Binani Dahiru, the governorship candidate of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election when the collation of the results was still in progress.

Shocked by this development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Yunusa-Ari’s announcement null and void and directed him to report to its headquarters

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE@59...

in Abuja.

INEC subsequently declared Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the winner of the election, and wrote to the Police to prosecute Yunusa-Ari.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in his reaction on April

20, approved the suspension of Yunusa-Ari, pending the completion of the police’s investigation.

On the day Yunusa-Ari was taken into the custody of the police, he said his announcement of Binani as the winner of the election was deliberate and that he was not bribed to do it.

Alleged £2.6bn Fraud: Petro Union Cheque is a Forgery, British Crime Detective Tells Court

Wale Igbintade

A senior investigative officer at the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom, Nathaniel John Webb, has told a Federal High Court in Lagos that there was no evidence of the lodgement of £2.6 billion cheque at Barclays Bank at any time during the existence of Gazeaft Limited and while the account was in existence.

traditional ruler of Ogombo Kingdom, developmental strides would follow.

According to him, “We, the people of Oke-Ogun are happy that our people all over the world are sources of good and admirable news, speaking specifically of the newly-installed, first Oba of Ogombo Kingdom, Oba Abiodun Muslim Ogunbo, whose fore-bearers migrated to Lagos from Saki in our Oke-Ogun area.

“We believe the emergence of Oba Ogunbo, will bring positive global attention to Ogombo Kingdom as well as the Oke-Ogun region and its people progress, we also pray that the king will live long on the throne.”

The legal luminary then appreciated the government of Lagos State for making the installation of Oba Ogunbo, seamless, stating the support given to the ruling house will bring about further progress to the state.

Webb stated this yesterday while giving evidence in the ongoing trial of Petro Union Oil and Gas Limited, a consultant to the company and three of its directors over alleged £2.6 billion alleged fraud filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Consultant is Abayomi Kukoyi (Trading under the name and style of Gladstone Kukoyi & Associates), while the

company’s directors on trial are Prince Kingsley Okpala, Prince Chidi Okpalaeze and Prince Emmanuel Okpalaeze

Giving his evidence, detective Sergeant Webb told the court that the NCA was assigned to investigate the activities and status of the two firms, Gazeaft Ltd and Goldmatic Ltd, that were allegedly used by the defendants to perpetrate the alleged fraud

The EFCC witness also informed the court how he made enquiries at Barclays Bank in London on the status of these two firms and found out that they have both been wound up and the accounts closed since 1987 and 1989 respectively.

The EFCC witness further told the court that when the cheque for £2.6 billion drawn on Gazeaft Limited was presented to Union Bank for clearing in 1994, the company and its account

at Barclay’s Bank were not in existence.

He also told the court that there was no evidence of the lodgement of the £2.6 billion cheque at Barclays Bank at any time during the existence of Gazeaft Limited and while the account was in existence.

Earlier, an investigative officer with the EFCC, Suleiman Yusuf, had also testified in the matter. In his evidence-in-chief, Sulaiman told the court that he was part of the team that arrested the defendants.

“I am one of the team that investigated this matter. We investigated the matter as a team, and I played many roles at the time. During the investigation, the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the United Kingdom was contacted for enquiries on the two firms used in perpetrating

the fraud,” the witness said. “The report of the investigation of the NCA was sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and has been tendered as evidence before the court.”

Following the conclusion of EFCC’s case, the defence lawyers informed the court that their clients would be filing a no case submission.

The EFCC had on 27th January 2021 re-arraigned the four Directors on a 13-count charge of alleged £2.6 billion fraud.

They were earlier on February 13, 2020, arraigned by the anti-graft agency on a 7-count charge bordering on the alleged offences.

The defendants’ trial subsequently resumed after they all pleaded not guilty to the amended charge.

Federal Constituency Election of Akwa Ibom

YPP Defeats PDP in Ikono-Ini

Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), the winner of the February 25 House of Representatives election conducted in Ikono/ Ini Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.

The returning officer for the

constituency, Patrick Aderorho, made the declaration at the Constituency Collation office yesterday in the presence of collation agents of political parties and stakeholders.

Announcing the results, Aderoro disclosed that the YPP candidate polled 19, 926 votes to emerge winner, defeating the PDP candidate, Dr. Glory Edet, who got 15,765 votes.

Following the violence that

marred the February 25th elections in Itak, Ikono Local Government Area, INEC scheduled supplementary elections in 17 Units of the area on the April15, 2023.

After a careful review of the outcomes, INEC declared Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo as the winner of the election and duly returned elected to represent Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency for a second term in office.

Responding to the declaration, Ukpong-udo dedicated his victory to God and to the good people of his constituency, attributing his victory to the Grace of God upon his life and to the faith reposed in him by his people.

He promised to remain a man of his word by continuing to serve only the interest of Ikono-Ini, above all else.

Bennett Oghifo

L-R: The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, during a Gala Night/Award of Prizes organised by the Nigerian Air Force as part of the activities marking its 59th anniversary celebration, in Enugu… yesterday.

Buhari: 2023 Polls Taught Nigeria Great Lessons

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu

Buhari yesterday expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria considering the turnout of voters and the generally peaceful atmosphere under which it took place.

According to him, the country learnt lessons which would make subsequent polls even better.

The President, in a release issued by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, stated this yesterday in London, the United Kingdom, while addressing his colleagues at the Commonwealth Leaders Summit as part of the major events leading to the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Commonwealth.

The theme of the event focused on the future of the Common-

N2.1bn Fraud: Maina Fails to Reverse Eight Years Jail

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Bid by former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, to set aside his eight-year jail term suffered a setback as the Court of Appeal in Abuja yesterday upheld his conviction and subsequent sentencing by a Federal High Court, Abuja.

A three-member panel of the appellate court in a judgement, unanimously affirmed the November 8, 2021 judgement delivered by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, convicting and sentencing Maina over an alleged N2.1 billion money laundering charge.

Dissatisfied, Maina had approached the appellate court to set aside the trial court’s judgement, claiming that the trial court erred in law when it found him guilty of the charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But the appellate court in the lead judgement delivered by Justice Elfreda Williams-Daudu, disagreed with him and affirmed the various interlocutory rulings delivered in the course of the trial at the Federal High Court, which Maina appealed against.

Justice Williams-Daudu, who resolved the two issues identified

for determination against Maina, held that he was not denied a fair hearing by the trial court and that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Abang had on November 8, 2021, held that Maina was guilty of money laundering in the sum of N171,099,000.

The judge in addition held that Maina was guilty of concealing his true identity as a signatory to accounts opened in two banks –UBA and Fidelity Bank – by using the identity of his family members without their knowledge.

The accounts had cash deposits of N300 million, N500 million, and N1.5 billion.

According to the judgement, Maina stole funds meant for pensioners as he could not prove where he got them from.

Justice Abang also held that through Maina’s service as a civil servant, his salary and emoluments will not amount to the monies in these accounts.

The court also found Maina guilty for the purchase of a property in Abuja paid in cash in the sum of $1.4 million, which is above the statutory threshold of N5 million and without passing through a financial institution, describing it as a criminal offence.

Faisal, the 21-year-old son of Maina, was earlier jailed in absentia for 14 years.

Kiriji Stage Performance to Unite Yoruba, Revive History, Culture

Bennett Oghifo

The Stage Performance detailing Kiriji, the epic Yoruba war experiences in the 19th century and listed as one of the longest civil wars in human history is set to be relayed across the South West in the next few months.

The project is put together by Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN and Legendary Productions, an international art and culture concern. The Director of the project is a renowned artiste, Abiodun Abe whose footprints on Nollywood and International film festivals are some of the best in Africa.

According to a statement signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Publicity Committee of the Project Mr Adewale Adeoye and Segun Balogun. the project will draw no fewer than 50 top artistes from across the world with over 10,000 other participants at

wealth as a body and the role of the Youth.

According to President Buhari, “these elections saw a remarkable turnout of voters and proof that Nigeria’s democracy is maturing. Despite some pockets of violence, we have demonstrated that a government can be elected peacefully and fairly.

“Lessons have been learnt and moving forward, we hope to perform even better. Based on this, I am delighted to note that we have taken another step towards deepening our democracy with peaceful, transparent and credible outcomes. Though we are aware that challenges still exist,

we are committed to working towards a greater participation of all Nigerians in the democratic process, including those in the diaspora.”

While thanking the Commonwealth for sending a team to witness the conduct of the elections, he noted that the elections were generally free and fair, and the mood of the nation after the announcement of the winners so far shows that democracy in Nigeria is maturing and can only get better.

The President highlighted the key role Nigerian youths played during the elections as well as in support of national development,

REWARDING EXCELLENCE…

attributing a great part of this youth participation in the General Elections to the assent of ‘Not Too Young To Run’ Bill signed into law by his administration in 2018.

He announced that Nigeria would also host the Commonwealth Youth and Students Summit for African Region, with the theme, ‘Making Change Happen’ in Abuja from May 9-11, this year.

President Buhari used the forum to bid farewell to his colleagues, expressing joy at shared aspirations and values within the period.

He said: “As I come before you today, I am also mindful

that this would be my last official engagement with His Majesty The King and some of you as I leave office on 29 May 2023. I, therefore, feel both humble and grateful for this extraordinary and significantly important moment.

“Over the years, I have worked cordially with the leaders of Commonwealth to achieve the values and principles of the Commonwealth which are shared by its members – the aspirations of the Commonwealth family which include positioning it to be a strong and respected voice in the world and improving the lives of all its citizens are being vigorously pursued.”

various levels.

They described the performance as a “huge project scheduled to see artistes camp for months” adding that the project will to lead to the establishment of the first Yoruba Museum of War History.

‘Kiriji War is the most significant political event in Yoruba history in the past 500 years. Not just for the fact that it was a battle for Federalism against a garrison state but also that it revealed the science, technology and political content of Yoruba historical struggles, over centuries for justice, liberty and an egalitarian society”, Adeoye and Segun Balogun said

The media team said the project will lead to the establishment of the first Yoruba Museum of War History, bringing together artefact, the collection of currently dispersed and disorganised art, weapons and historic equipment and assets linked to the war.

L-R: Baale of Alasia Town, High Chief Mustapha Okunmoyinbo; Senior Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Hon. Ayodeji Amodu; wife of former President Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Mrs. Emadoye; former President of LERSA, Olorogun James Emadoye; and new President of LERSA, Sulyman Kolawole Bello, at the investiture ceremony of the new LERSA Executive Council... recently.

Ugwuanyi, Makinde, Attend Air Force’s 59th Anniversary

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, and the PDP National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa, yesterday attended some of the events marking the 59th anniversary

There’s Still Room for

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it has not closed the door against the 15 party chieftains whose suspensions were ratified at the weekend by the South-east zone of the party.

The Chairman of Abia APC, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, told THISDAY that the door “is still open” for the affected party members to repent, amend their ways and start behaving

celebration of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) held at the Air Force Base, Emene, Enugu.

Governors Ugwuanyi, Makinde, and others were delightfully received by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao.

Some of the activities witnessed by Governor

Ugwuanyi and others were aerial display and induction of new platforms comprising the DA-62 aircraft, and gala night/award of prizes.

In his welcome address, Air Marshal Amao on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force welcomed the governors and other dignitaries.

The Chief of the Air Staff applauded the host and Guest of Honour, Governor Ugwuanyi for his immense support and good disposition to the Nigerian Air Force in Enugu. He also appreciated the people of the state especially the host communities for living in harmony with the NAF.

Nwaogu, Others to Repent, Amend their Ways, Says Ononogbu

like authentic party members. Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Sampson Uche Ogah, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Paul Ikonne, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, Dr. Chris Akomas, and Hon. Anyim Nyerere were suspended for engaging in anti-party activities.

Others on the suspension list are Hon. Sam Nkeire, Mr. Nduka Anyanwu, Chief Ofor Okorie, Chief Nze Esiaga, Dr. Onyendi Brightman, Mr. Abubike Udah, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, and

Hon. Solomon Okogbuo.

The APC National Vice Chairman, South-east, Dr. Ijeomah Arodiogbu had in a statement announced the ratification of the suspensions imposed on 30 party chieftains, 15 each from Abia and Enugu states.

According to him, the suspensions were ratified at a meeting of the zonal executive held at Owerri, Imo State on Sunday April 16, 2023.

“The Zonal Executive agreed that, in order to strengthen APC in the South-east, the party must enforce discipline amongst the

members,” he said.

Dr. Arodiogbu noted that the disciplinary action had emanated from the respective wards of the affected party members and ratified by their respective state executives before the zonal leadership gave its affirmation.

Welcoming the decision of the South-east zonal leadership of APC to ratify the suspensions, the Abia APC chairman said that it would pave the way for ratification by the national leadership of the party.

Tribunal: Delta SDP Disowns Gbagi, Backs Oborevwori

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Efforts by the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the March 18, 2023 election in Delta State, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, to challenge the victory of Sheriff Oborevwori of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), may have suffered a serious setback following the decision of the party’s

state leaders not to support Gbagi in his quest to challenge the outcome of the election at the tribunal.

Delta State SDP Chairman, Ambassador Oke Idawene, told journalists in Asaba, the state capital, that Ggagi was “on his own” as the leadership of the party in the state had washed its hands off the decision of its governorship candidate to challenge the victory of

Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in court.

While Gbagi has already initiated legal action to reclaim his allegedly “stolen mandate”, the Delta State SDP Chairman, Idawene, indicated that the party had conceded defeat having returned dismal performance in the election and coming a distant fifth in the contest won by the PDP candidate.

Although, Gbagi has dismissed the withdrawal of support for him by the SDP chairman as immaterial because the man had allegedly been axed by the party, Idawene on Wednesday led the state SDP executive committee and other members of the party on a solidarity visit to Oborevwori, who is the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly.

Kalu, Ogah,

NEED FOR PROPER MANAGEMENT OF WASTE

As the raining season sets in from the Southern part of Nigeria, wastes, dustbins and drainages which are usually dry and unnoticed, have now become repulsive, repugnant and an eyesore due to change in the climatic condition. The awfulness of littering and waste become more visible and appalling in the season of rain. Waste disposals pose more harm in the wet season. Diseases tend to spread more if our environment is not tidy at this season. And just as everything in Nigeria is falling out of place, local councils and state governments are finding it cumbersome to manage waste. Nigeria in the recent past, has not only witnessed miserable conditions but also difficulties as roads, bridges and households are overtaken by flooding. Greedy land grabbers have made our cities and commercial places a sorry sight in their bid to make more money as flooding take over homes, contaminate boreholes and deny inhabitants access to their homes.

Developed countries have come to terms with managing waste and recycling wastes while most developing countries are incapacitated in handling wastes. Most cities in Nigeria are still controlling open defecation and this is our level at taking care of our environment.

Each household has a way of disposing and managing liquid and solid wastes. It all helps in maintaining a healthy family. Proper hygiene and cleanliness are key indicators of a healthy home. Luckily, nowadays there are young men employed by different firms to collect iron, metals, aluminum, plastic and other disposables. It is assured that if each household should take care of their surroundings, there will be clean, livable society. The need to maintain good sanitation on the streets, places of work and markets cannot be overemphasized. States like Lagos observe sanitation every Thursday of the week. In the South East, last Saturdays of every month is used for sanitation – 6:00am to 10:00am.

Governor Soludo did not take the call for a clean environment as a bunk. A little neglect according to him could be expensive. The first port of call for the government of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo was to clean up Okpoko, a suburb of Onitsha metropolis. Back in the days, every writer or researcher wanting to talk about city slums, ghettos must refer to Okpoko. Governor Soludo did not only begin the cleanup of Okpoko with access roads, he equally demolished structures in Onitsha that blocked the flood channels. Some of the times, the governor is seen at Zik Avenue of the Eke Awka axis participating in the monthly clean up. All the Transition Chairmen with their councillors in the 21 LGAs of the state participate in the clean-up exercise following the governor’s directive. On Saturday, 31st March 2023, Soludo flagged, “Clean, Green, and Sustainable Anambra Initiative” at Ochanja, a suburb of Onitsha. Desilting works commenced immediately with prompt evacuation of debris. The Governor assured that efforts towards a clean and healthy environment is being reinvigorated. He charged everyone to take the matter of our environment seriously as the task of preserving the environment is a collective one.

The National Assembly enacted National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act 2007, through which various state governments Waste Management Authority operate. In some cities in Nigeria, it seems the wastes generated are too large for the government to manage. Waste can be liquid, solid or gas. We can have household waste, biological waste, commercial waste, or industrial waste. Hazardous waste poses a severe threat to the environment and human health and different waste management

methods are designed specifically for handling them. Hazardous waste products contain toxic chemicals and are radioactive, so extra care is given for their safe disposal.

Waste management is also a useful way of energy generation. Methods for managing waste include conventional combustion, incineration, and dumping at the landfills or into the ocean. Amongst all the methods, recycling is handled by industries. Composting is found in rural areas as a technique for making fertilizer. Some wastes are used to feed domestic animals like dogs, pigs, goats, sheep as in peels and food scraps. The rural areas have more avenues for managing wastes than the city dwellers. Many problems in the cities are caused by developers and town planners in their quest to make quick money. In most rural communities, even with small population, wastes are disposed properly. Lagos State alone generates excess of 13,000 active tonnes of waste daily, considering the population of the state.

Waste management involves a lot of process in its disposal starting from collection, transportation, dumping, recycling or sewage treatment. Initially, when the government Refuse Disposal Board, worked hand in hand with private operators, we had a cleaner environment. But as governments monopolized the management of waste, it became like every public service of the Nigerian government.

The aim of waste management is to reduce the dangerous effects of such waste on the environment and human health. Proper management of waste is important for building sustainable and livable cities. Among state governments, we see a humungous amount of money usually in billions mapped out for waste disposal. This shows that waste management is still a big challenge to the Nigerian government. Benefits of a clean environment include: better environment, reduced pollution through the elimination of the impacts of harmful greenhouse gases like methane, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. This decreases the reliance on landfills for waste deposit that adversely affects the environment. Energy conservation and reduction of carbon footprints is one of the benefits. Clean environment equally creates employment opportunities.

Improper waste disposal can contaminate water, soil and air. Some challenges are; inadequate government designated refuse dumps, ineffective sanitation laws, and lack of public enlightenment/awareness. Poor waste management can cause typhoid, diarrhoea, cholera, asthma, and bronchitis.

Maintaining a clean environment reduces pollution, preserves our biosphere, protects endangered species, and helps preserve the earth’s natural resources. In society, the state of cleanliness represents the mindset of its inhabitants. Cleanliness promotes mental clarity. A clean environment boosts our self-confidence. Cleanliness gives a fresh and good look to our surroundings. It helps in prevention of infectious diseases. When people live in a clean environment, they make life so safe, comfortable and enjoyable. People who work in cleaner environments are productive and always in a laughing mood. A clean environment ensures a constant supply of clean food. A dirty or uninviting environment doesn’t just cause infections or repulsion, it also pulls apart your emotional control and mental stability. On the other hand, a clean environment facilitates a sound health, and helps build a robust well-being.

Toochukwu writes from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ugwu-Awgbu, Anambra State

HOSCON’S AGENDA FOR DEVELOPMENT

Tony Tomiwa commends oil and gas producing communities for their private sector-led investment initiatives

The challenge of development in the oil and gas producing states has remained a huge issue especially in the Niger Delta as events have also shown over time. Niger Delta is so pronounced here because of the intensity of oil exploration relative to other areas and why the cries of neglect, marginalisation and environmental degradation have been loudly orchestrated to let government, the IOCs, LOCs and allied stakeholders rise to the fundamental issues at stake. Invariably, however, every location with oil exploration will also come to experience the situation we have in the Niger Delta though depending on the scale of exploration and exploitation.

In fairness to government, there have been institutional modalities adopted to tackle some of the inherent issues like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the various state commissions set up to manage the oil derivation funds, and more recently the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), a laudable law for which the Buhari administration would be remembered especially by the oil and gas producing communities.

As we wait for the takeoff of the PIA and other relevant goals of the law, what is at stake is the implementation of the new law unencumbered so that the anticipated gains can be achieved for the prosperity of the people especially those at the local communities who are most affected by the ravages of oil production.

Our attention here is also on the derivation fund which is paid monthly to the governments of the oil producing states instead of being paid directly to the local communities in line with the

dictates of the constitution. Section 162, sub-section 2 of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that the derivation fund is for the exclusive use of the oil and gas communities for loss of fishing rights and productive farmlands as a result of oil and gas exploration and production activities.

However, because of the lopsided implementation, there have been cries of abuses as the funds have not been properly managed to serve intended purposes, leading to wastages and preventing the envisaged impact from being felt in many of the oil and gas producing communities.

With this background, it becomes plausible and attractive the development agenda put forward at the recent National Executive Committee meeting of the Host Communities of Nigeria producing oil and gas (HOSCON) in Warri, Delta State.

At the well-attended meeting which brought together the Executive National Chairman, Dr. Mike Emuh; the Northern Coordinator, Alhaji Aminu Yusuf; the National Women Leader, Mrs Perpetual Ogene, all 36 state chairmen and the FCT, traditional rulers from across the states and the youth wing, deliberated for over four hours on the future and fate of the local communities in oil and gas producing states with the resolution to adopt a private sector-led model for development through investments. Leading the charge to look inward and facilitate development in spite of the expectations of financial grants from the government through statutory allocations was the executive national chairman, Prince Mike Emuh, who raised hopes for a new era of prosperity if the various communities are led to believe in them-

selves and capacity to evolve investment portfolios that can be well managed and sustained by pulling resources from the private sector for investment. But will such investments accommodate any form of partnerships? That was the question by former Director of News of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Alhaji Aliyu Baba-Barau, who, as an investor, participated at the Warri meeting and the answer was that equity participation was already part and parcel of the business model being adopted by HOSCON as it allows for a better relationship between or among partners and indeed the locals who may be land owners.

The various presentations by assigned consultants underscored vividly the seriousness of HOSCON leadership to walk the talk as delegates were put through the various business models being examined for implementation in due course, mainly on the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG ), Agro-allied industry, housing development, gas plant and modular refinery as well as blue economy. As espoused by David Audu, an architect and consultant on the projects, all the above enumerated proposals are worthy of the time and resources as viable businesses in tandem with the objectives of HOSCON. They all have direct benefits to the people and the environment well positioned because of the availability of local resources to thrive. Of course, each of the items is of high economic value to the people: be it agro-allied industries with the massive value-chain in employment opportunities and financial rewards to housing development which will solve the huge housing deficit in most states, gas and

modular refinery as an emerging alternative to the moribund refineries in the country and in spite of the Dangote’s behemoth and the various benefits from the water bodies in a blue economy. Yet, the imminent removal of oil subsidy actually recommends the CNG very highly as a business model for any visionary, who can anticipate that it is one thing that will compete favourably with petrol in relative prices when the subsidy is finally removed and why the HOSCON leadership is keen to buy into this business proposal. Thus from having gas conversion plants, there would also be HOSCON’s refueling gas stations, so as consumers buy petrol at filling stations so also will they be queuing to buy gas at such refueling gas stations and taking advantage of the relative cheaper price. To achieve on all the above, there is the critical element of finance which the Executive National Chairman, Prince Emuh, put at five billion dollars. Fortunately, an international finance firm in Italy, represented by a finance expert, Alfred Ajagbe, is responding favourably to the dollar request which will see through the implementation of the five selected business models. And to facilitate the takeoff, five committees were also set up to reexamine the intricacies and modalities for effectiveness.

It is really gratifying that the HOSCON leadership is seriously considering the private sector-led investment model for development in the oil and gas communities in the country which experts believe is the way forward for accelerated and sustainable development.

Tomiwa is a Journalist

CLEANLINESS GIVES A FRESH AND GOOD LOOK TO OUR SURROUNDINGS. IT HELPS IN PREVENTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES. WHEN PEOPLE LIVE IN A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT, THEY MAKE LIFE SO SAFE, COMFORTABLE AND ENJOYABLE

Good management of waste is important for building sustainable and livable cities, writes Obiotika Wilfred Toochukwu

Eliminating Cervical Cancer in Nigeria

Cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer, happens when cervical cells become abnormal and out of control over time. These cancer cells invade deep into the cervical tissue. If it progresses, cancer cells can spread to different organs in the body. According to WHO, in 2018, an estimated 570,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer globally and approximately 311,000 women died from the disease. In 2020, an estimate of 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths were also recorded. Cervical cancer cases are known to be associated with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) infection. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and additionally through sexual intercourse. This is the same virus that causes genital warts. There are over 100 different strains of HPV, however, HPV- 16 and HPV- 18 alone causes cervical cancer.

Most instances of cervical cancer are prompted by HPV infection. HPV is a virus that penetrates the cervical cells and changes them. Some HPV types are associated with cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, mouth and throat cancers. The type of HPV that causes cancer are recognized as ‘’high risk types’’. HPV is very common and without getting tested, people do not even know they are infected because early HPV infections often do not come with symptoms.

This also applies to cervical cancer as many Nigerian women with this disease do not realize early because this, just like HPV, does not also cause symptoms until late in the disease and most times the symptoms appear, they can easily be mistaken for common conditions such as menstrual bleeding or urinary tract infections (UTIs), back pain, bone fractures, fatigue, heavy vaginal bleeding, urine leakage, leg pain, loss of appetite, and pelvic pain.

Very few women with HPV types are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up on their own because of the body’s natural ability to fight infections. When they are gone, the cells return to normal. In a minority of women, HPV infection persists for a long period of time, it is called a persistent infection. High risk types of persistent HPV infection can cause more severe changes in cervical cells and the changes that persist for one or two years are more likely to turn into cancer if left untreated.

Many of us do not know how dangerous cervical cancer is and its symptoms being mistaken for something else makes it even more dangerous. But then it can be prevented and this is where cervical cancer screening becomes very important. Cervical cancer screening is used to find changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer and

this screening includes cervical cytology (also called the Pap test or Pap smear) and testing for human papillomavirus (HPV).

To maintain good health, it is important to have regular pelvic examinations. An important part of this pelvic examination is a test called a Pap smear to detect the life-threatening disease of cervical cancer before it starts. Early detection of cervical cancer increases the chances of treatment, prolongs survival, and improves quality of life. The good news is that even when it is diagnosed at late stages, it can still be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care.

Many Nigerian women do not know about this cancer.

It is therefore suggested that awareness of cervical cancer should be raised to educate women about the risks of untreated infection and women should be encouraged to go for periodic checkups. Cervical cancer prevention must be multidisciplinary, incorporating elements of community education, social mobilization, vaccination, screening, treatment. It is advisable for people who are of the age from 25 to 49 to carry out cervical cancer screening at least every three years and for people who are from the age of 50 to 64 to carry this screening out at least every five years because most cervical cancers develop between these ages. To be safe completely from cervical cancer it is important to keep getting tested until at least 65 years of age.

Claire Nwachukwu, Centre for Social Justices (CSJ)

AEDC and New Site Estate, Lugbe

Iwish to express our displeasure over the inhumane treatment meted out by AEDC to residents of New Site Estate, FHA Lugbe, Abuja. The officials of this company have failed to deliver any single megawatt of electricity to the estate, thereby making life worthless, hazardous and unbearable for the last couple of years.

This is unacceptable as the management and staff of this entity have taken it upon themselves to deal with the hapless residents with impunity.

We call President Muhammadu Buhari, regulators and law enforcement agencies to save our souls from these modern-day tormentors who have made life unbearable for innocent citizens. The Managing Director of AEDC should be held to account for loss of innocent lives through hardship and total blackout.

AEDC misdeed at New Site Estate is not a new development, it has gone on unhindered for the last few years as it has deliberately cut off electricity supply to punish the residents of the estate for the singular reason that the residents refused to accept the crazy bills from their previous regime of estimated billing. We subscribe to full scale metering of households.

What makes the conduct by AEDC more annoying is that whilst all estates around the environs like CRD, Light House and others have steady supply of electricity, New Site is singled out for blackout because its residents insisted on prepaid meters rather than estimated billing.

We have it on good authority that all the new estates springing up within the FHA axis are being added to the feeder for New Site Estate. In addition, other estate developers like Pyacasa and T-pumpy estate have benefitted from being added to the feeder for New Site Estate, and are enjoying better supply of electricity.

Beatrice Adorh, New Site Estate FHA, Lugbe, Abuja

Senate Presidency: Umahi, Ndume, Barau Step Down For Akpabio

BarautorunasDeputySenatePresident

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Three of the Senators-elect eyeing the presidency of the 10th Senate billed for inauguration in June, 2023, yesterday night stepped down for one of the strong contenders for the position, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The trio, who jettisoned their ambition after a two-hour closedoor meeting with re-elected Senators from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

at the Ebonyi State Governor’s Lodge at Asokoro, Abuja, are former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume; Chairman of Senate Appropriation Committee, Senator Jubrin Barau and outgoing Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi.

They told journalists after the meeting that a consensus candidate in the person of former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Senator Godswill Akpabio, was agreed upon in the interest of

peace and national interest. According to Ndume, “ We have all deferred to our brother to President of the 10th National Assembly. We know he has the capacity to lead the Red Chamber of the federal legislature.”

They also told reporters that the meeting resolved to present Barau as the Deputy President of the next National Assembly. In his speech, Akpabio thanked

Glo-sponsored African Voices Changemakers Features P-Square

reposed in him and assured that he would not let the legislators down in his bid to move the National Assembly to the next level.

Another meeting of Akpabio and his team with new APC Senators also held at Frazier Suites in Abuja. story, the meeting was expected to be briefed by Akpabio about his candidature and the resolution of his colleagues to work with him.

Nigerian singing sensation, P-Square, will be a guest on the Glo-sponsored African Voices Changemakers this weekend.

The hugely popular platform presents a unique opportunity for the famous Nigerian music duo of Peter and Paul to talk about their career, life, and the long route to reuniting after a breakup that nearly

The group, who are also identical twin brothers, invited CNN’s Larry Madowo to their home studio in Lagos, where studio album in more than nine years.

Peter Okoye, well known as Mr. P and Paul Okoye, also

ENDANGERED PROFESSIONALS…

L-R: Director, International Press Centre, Mr Lanre Arogundade; Chair, National Association of Women Journalists, Ms Jadesola Ajibola; Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Demola Babalola; Vice-President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, West Zone, Mr Bolaji Adebiyi; and Dean, College of Humanities and Social sciences, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Prof Tokunbo Adaja, during the launch of State of Attacks on Journalists in Nigeria, The Year 2022 Report, in Ibadan...on Friday

DIGITALISING EDUCATION…

L-R: President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools(NAPPS), Chief Yomi Otubela; Founder, Educatial, Mr. Francis Muofunanya; Council member, NIPR, Mrs. Nkechi Ali-Balogun and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Covenant University, Prof. Olujide Adekeye during a reveal Stakeholder Roundtable for Educatial Digital Platform in Lagos...Thursday

Lagos Harps on Innovative Methods to Transform Education

Funmi Ogundare

The Lagos State Government yesterday called for innovative methods through which the private sector can partner with it to ensure an action plan that will transform education in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, made the call at the 2023 Lagos Education Conference themed,’ ‘Exploring the opportunities in public-private partnership for

educational development in Nigeria’, organised in conjunction with Casio and SKLD Integrated Services Limited.

She emphasised on the importance of public/private partnership, saying that they should form an alliance with government based on not just their corporate social responsibilities but on mutually benefitting alliances.

According to her, “while the private sector motive is essentially profit making, it is sound thinking

when the sector invests in human capital development through the schools’ system locally. It is this self-reinforcing system that will take us on the path of success and sustainability.”

She expressed concern about the paucity of funding in the state saying that the government does not have the capacity to fully and sustainably fund education.

“This means we require a substantial amount of funding which the available financial resources of

the government cannot tackle alone.

Over the years, Mr. Governor has adequately funded the education sector, the annual budget of which recurrent expenditure takes close to 60% yearly, while 40% for capital expenditure.

Adefisayo said the state is peculiar among other states of the federation not only because of its huge population, but also because of the high rate of people migrating into the state on a daily basis.

known to his fans as Rudeboy are a huge sensation among fans, not only in Nigeria but also globally. They have serenaded their fans with several great hits, including Chop My Money, Bring It On, Beautiful Onyinye, E No Easy, Danger, Bizzy Body and several others. They have won several awards together, including BET, KORA, MOBO, MTV Europe, Channel O music awards and have worked with international stars such as Sean Paul, Dave Scott, Akon and Rick Ross.

The show goes on air this Saturday at 9.30p.m. A repeat will be aired on Sunday at 4.30a.m. and at 7.30p.m the same day.

Hajj 2023: Buhari Grants 65% Waiver on Aviation Charges to Air Carriers

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has graciously agreed to a 65 per cent waiver on aviation charges to the air carriers that will airlift Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The Chairman/Chief Executivesion of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, disclosed this yesterday during a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation industry as well as air carriers on seamless arrangement for the airlifting of the pilgrims.

He also informed that NAHCON has made arrangements with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to ensure ceaseless supply of Jet A fuel for the purpose of the airlift.

In a statement yesterday, NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the carriers were advised to meet NNPCL the arrangement.

The Director General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu who was present at the meeting, stated that his organisation has inspected all designated Hajj

airlift airports for security and functional facilities.

He charged selected carriers to adhere strictly to the terms and conditions of Hajj airlift engagement that they would sign.

the obligations that would be spelled out in the agreements saying NCAA is ready to sanction non-compliance.

He lamented the issue of delay and cancellation of airlift as experienced last year, describing it as having a replica operations too.

It would be recalled that General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA) had earlier invited NCAA over this encumbrance it has on Madina and Jeddah airports’ Hajj operations.

As a result, the NCAA has laid down stringent measures delays this year.

The 2023 Hajj advance team comprising selected NAHCONnel is expected to depart the country by May 21.

Group Warns Opposition Parties Against Inciting Statement

A body, 100% Focus Group Movement, one of the grassroots support groups that worked on market sensitisation and enlightenment programme to mobilise market men and women across all the geopolitical zones in Nigeria for Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential campaign for the February 25 election, has warned Nigerians, especially the opposition parties to desist from making inciting statement that may lead Nigeria to anarchy before May 29th, 2023 that the newly elected president will be sworn-in.

This was made known in a statement released recently by the chairman of the group, Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed.

According to him, “The INEC had admitted that its system suffered unanticipated glitches on

that day which made it impossible for it to upload the polling units results of the presidential elections on its portal immediately as promised but it began to do so once the technical hitches had been resolved, it is important to state that uploading results on IReV was only an add-on feature designed by INEC to further enhance openness and allow the general public to view the results real-time. IReV was not designed to validate the authenticity of the results. The authentic election results are the ones from polling units that were signed by INEC officials, party agents, and security operatives.

“Unfortunately, the opposition averred that INEC’s inability to upload the results of the presidential elections online as promised on February 25 was not due to technical hitches but rather deliberate human mischief and manipulation to rig the election.

Mary Nnah

PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE…

Rainoil GMD, Ogbechie Shares Enterprenuership Insights at The Platform Nigeria

The Group Managing Director, Rainoil Limited, Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie, has shared some practical insights from his entrepreneurship journey at 2023 edition of The to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges in their businesses.

Speaking at the 2023 edition of The Platform Nigeria held at Covenant Christian Centre, Iganmu, Lagos, Dr. Ogbechie enthralled the audience with his unique speaking style interwoven with practical anecdotes.

He recounted memorable events and lessons in establishing Rainoil Limited, a leading energy company in Nigeria.

In his energetic talk titled, ‘Succeeding as an Entrepreneur in Nigeria’, he minced deep practical nuggets for budding entrepreneurs with wise counsel on how to run a successful business.

The Rainoil GMD, who is a trained engineer, recalled with nostalgia how he incorporated the company following advice on the unique name from a family friend. any entrepreneur should be to incorporate a company.

Addressing the timeless challenge of funding that most entrepreneurs face, he added that “People rarely give money to those who don’t have” as he recounted his unsuccessful attempts at raising capital to start Rainoil, and how his diligent investment in stocks proved most valuable.

He counselled intending discipline, noting it would take a couple more years for him to eventually acquire enough money to purchase a tanker load of diesel for N300,000.

PDP to Tinubu: You Can’t Fight Corruption UN Calls for Reassessment of Issues on Displaced Persons

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the comments by the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he will ridiculous, alleging that hetion or speak for Nigerians on corruption.

The party was reacting to recent claims by Tinubu last Thursday at the inauguration of some projects in Rivers State, the country.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the National

Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said that the comments by President-elect is completely sacrilegious and an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians having been described variously as an “embodiment of corruption in his public life”.

According to PDP, “It is in the public domain that as governor of Lagos State, Senator Tinubu promoted and institutionalised corruption as an act of governance. It is on record that Senator Tinubu is alleged to be deeply involved in the infamous cases involving Alpha Beta Consulting Limited and Alpha Beta LLP, allegedly owned and controlled by him and through which over N100

Amina Ajayi Urges Tinubu to Address Energy Crisis, Unemployment

A former President of All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC), Chief Amina Temitope Ajayi, aka Mama Diaspora, has lamented the current poor energy supply and distribution in Nigeria.

She also said it is heartwarming that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has promised to address Nigeria’s growing unemployment and the energy challenges after his inauguration.

She further stated that Asiwaju is passionate about the welfare of the youth and women and would address their concerns, including youth unemployment.

She spoke during a media conference by the Yoruba Council Worldwide in Lagos. The media conference was jointly addressed

by the Council President, Aare Oba Oladotun Hassan and Yeye Chief Amina Temitope Ajayi (Mama Diaspora) on the State of the Nation and Smooth transition ahead of May 29, 2023, in commemoration of the promotion of the Omoluabi festival, ethos and culture of excellence.

Ajayi, who is one of the United Nation’s Eminent Peace Ambassadors, described Nigerian youths as being energetic, resourceful, vibrant and digitally savvy.

She called on all Nigerians, to support the President-elect, to make Nigeria greater.

She stated that the Presidentelect is a detribalised person, who will unify Nigerians and carry all stakeholders along.

EFCC Arrests Ex-Convict, 61 Other Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ilorin

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 62 persons over alleged involvement in fraud otherwise known as “yahoo-yahoo” in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The arrests, which were carried out in two separate operations involved one Raji

billion belonging to Lagos State was reportedly stolen through shady tax collection deals.

“It is also public knowledge that there has been numerous allegations and evidence of corruption and complicity by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the declaration of Senator Tinubu as winner of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election. Today Nigerians and indeed the world believe that that declaration was a product of corruption of the process, institutions and the law by the APC and its presidential candidate.

“It is therefore ludicrous that an individual who has been widely alleged to be an enabler

can attempt to put himself forward to Nigerians as a champion of anti-corruption. Of course, corruption cannot spokesman stated. He continued, “If indeed Senator Tinubu is desirous starting point should be that he publicly and personally address Nigerians on the numerous allegations of corruption, including the Alpha Beta cases and alleged improper acquisition and conversion of Lagos State Government landed properties worth billions of naira to himself, family, associates and cronies.

Printers, Publishers, Others Task FG on Local Capacity Development

Printers, Publishers and other stakeholders in the printing value chain have urged the federal government to provide an enabling business environment that will improve local capacity development in the sector.

They also pushed for availability of grants and facilities for the $3 billion yearly revenue book industry to further boost the struggling economy.

According to them, diversification of the economy is critical to creating wealth and employment, noting that the printing and publishing industry is well up to the task if given the necessary support.

Their appeal was prevented

at the maiden edition of the International Paper, Publishing and Printing Expo, organised by DCS Integrated Media Limited in conjunction with Nigeria International Print Expo (NIPEX), the International Print on Textile Expo (IPONTEX), and Marketing and Promotional Products Expo (MAPPEX) in Lagos.

The theme of the expo was, ‘Face to Face Marketing in a Visual Age,’ which brought together stakeholders in the print industry.

The Chief Executive Officer, of Accessible Publishers Limited, Gbadega Adedapo, said the printing and publishing industries have a significant impact on the economy of the country as it contributes immensely to the employment of labour.

Jonathan Adjudges Emadike Shoreline Project Best in Niger Delta

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Wasiu Babatunde whom the commission arrested sometime last year, prosecuted and got convicted but went back to his vomit and got arrested again.

A statement issued yesterday signed by the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the anti-graft agency, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, said the convict was arrested alongside 25 other suspects in an early hour operation carried Ilorin on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has rated the Emadike Shoreline project as the best coastal embarkment job in the Niger Delta with a durability that would span the next generation.

The Emadike Shoreline project in Bayelsa State was completed by a subsidiary of the Azikel Group, the Azike Dredging/ Construction Company Limited.

The former president, who

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The United Nations (UN) has called for reassessment of approaches to securing durable solutions for the forcibly displaced in Nigeria and elsewhere in the world.

The call was made in Abuja at a workshop on ‘Advancing Durable Solutions Pathway’ sponsored by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

Speaking at the event, the UNHCR Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Chanda Kapaya,

noted that the purpose of the workshop was to address the pressing challenges of internal displacement and support reintegration of self-organised refugee return in Nigeria’s North-eastern region with special focus on Adamawa State. Kapaya, who was represented by the Assistant Representative, UNHCR Nigeria, Mr. Gilbert Mutai, lamented that over the past decade, the number of internally displaced persons worldwide has doubled, reaching a record high of 55 million.

CDK Reiterates Commitment to Drive Innovation in Tiles Manufacturing

Integrated Industries, the renowned manufacturer of premium porcelain tiles, has reiterated the company’s commitment to continue to drive innovation and best practices in the tiles manufacturing sector in Nigeria.

CDK Integrated Industries stated this during its Distributors Interactive Forum held recently at the Marriott Hotel.

It said the purpose of the event was to build stronger

Akpata, NBA-SBL, Others Honoured at 5th PEBEC Awards

Innocent Megbolu

The immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Senior Partner at Templars Law Firm, Mr. Olumide Akpata, has been awarded for Legislative Reform Support.

ties with CDK’s network of distributors nationwide with the theme: ‘Together for growth and prosperity’, the forum aimed to engender feedback and networking among distributors as CDK intends to maintain its position as the category leader in Nigeria’s porcelain tiles manufacturing sector.

In attendance were CDK MD/CEO, Mr. Bernard Longe, key players in the real estate industry, and numerous distributors from several states across Nigeria.

was accompanied by the President of Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for awarding the project that saved the community from the devastation of the 2022

Jonathan, who noted that his initial visit was at the stage of construction, posited that the completed project shows that quality materials and professionalism to actualise the job.

Akpata received the award recently at the 2023 Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Awards ceremony, which was held at the Old Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

The PEBEC Awards were created to recognise and honour Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), state governments, and private-sector stakeholders who to the ease of doing business interventions in Nigeria.

R-L: Executive Chairman, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon. Monsuru Oloyede Bello Obe and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, inspecting ongoing reconstruction of Ifoshi Road, Ejigbo...recently

Bennett Oghifo

Mary Nnah

NCAC Sets Agenda for National Rebirth

Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, recently brought together participants from all walks of life to set an agenda for national rebirth that will put Nigeria on the path of development and make the country attractive globally, writes Charles Ajunwa

The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has the passion for arts, culture and tourism sector and he dedicates his time and energy in making sure that Nigeria emerges as an enviable destination for tourists.

To further expand frontiers of the arts, culture and tourism sector which continues to attract foreign direct investments into the country, Runsewe last Tuesday, convened a one-day interactive forum with the theme: “Culture, Peace And National Rebirth: An Agenda Setting”, which brought together leaders of religious organisations, traditional rulers, youths and women organisations, critical stakeholders in arts and culture sector, media and key resource persons in the field of culture, value orientation and social engineering.

Kapital Klub, venue of the event was carefully chosen as it was tucked inside the serene parts of Asokoro, Abuja. To add cultural flavour, a staff of the agency popularly called Bulus intermittently sang melodious songs with Nigerian tunes, compelling guests to nod their heads and body around.

Convener’s Opening Remarks

Runsewe, who is President of the World Crafts Council, said in his welcoming address that the programme was motivated by the need to put the issues of culture and peace in the front burner of national discourse “as we seek to reposition our nation on the path of growth and development in line with philosophy and objectives of the in-coming administration.”

The NCAC boss, who was dressed in traditional white agbada with cap to match, said Nigeria’s culture is firmly rooted in national core values of discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism entrenched in the 1991 constitution as amended.

According to Runsewe, “these cultural values are the veritable building blocks for a united, peaceful, prosperous and greater Nigerian nation, strong enough to provide the required leadership for Africa and the black race all over the world.

He espoused that the founding fathers of Nigeria and those who crafted the letters of the constitution believed in and shared these cultural values of the ideal Nigeria. But he was quick to tell his audience that developments in recent years are in clear contravention of these tenets of the country’s national ethics. Runsewe, who spoke passionately from his heart, lamented that some leaders today, continue to play up the mundane things that separate Nigerians rather than emphasise the enduring elements of the country’s unity.

“There has been no time since after the Civil War that Nigeria has been so polarised along primordial and parochial lines than during the 2023 general election. The tension, bitterness, rancor and acrimonies generated by the electioneering campaigns have tended to further fuel embers of distrust and disunity among Nigerians.

“This disturbing development has also greatly impacted on our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow. There is the growing feeling of alienation among the vast majority of our youths, manifesting in various forms of restiveness and internationalisation and exhibition of vices that are at variance with our culture. Incidences of violent crimes, transgenderism, the endSARS protest and the Japa syndrome are clear indications of a youth population who harbour a sense of alienation, exclusion, disillusionment and despair. Many of our youths of today are at a cultural crossroads with high propensity for anger and violence.”

To contain this dangerous trend which negatively impacts on the image of Nigeria and Nigerians, Runsewe implored leaders to unite irrespective of their political and religious leanings to salvage the country, noting that was the only way Nigeria can make progress.

“No nation can attain its developmental aspira-

tions when its elites are heavily divided along sentimental cleavages of religion and ethnicity as was played out in the 2023 general election. It is also unarguable that a nation can only be on the path of progress and prosperity when its youths espouse the right values and orientation that support national development. There is therefore the compelling need for our leaders, particularly our political elites, to set aside their ideological differences and work together in unity to rebuild our nation. Also, the youths, who are the engine room of national development, need to be carefully cultivated and nurtured to drive the development process.

“It is in the light of the foregoing that the National Council for Arts and Culture is kickstarting this conversation that would set the agenda for the birth of the Nigeria of our dreams. It is our conviction that there can be no better time for doing this than now that we are preparing for the inauguration of a new government on May 29, 2023.”

Religious Intolerance

One of the resource persons, Dr. David Manya Dogo, a development communicator and former director at National Orientation Agency (NOA), who presented a paper titled ‘Enhancing Religious Tolerance for National Unity’ posited that religion is a powerful tool that can be used to ensure peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

Dogo, who identified religious intolerance as a human rights issue, said Nigeria with a population of over 200 million, 270 ethnic groups, 370 languages and 1150 dialects cannot afford to be plunged into another civil war.

He cited the example of Somalia, where despite being a homogeneous country have not had peace since 1919 due to religious intolerance.

The former NOA director enumerated the causes of religious intolerance to include religious bigotry, religious indoctrination,

ignorance, factionalisation, manipulation of religion, hate speech, religious domination, competition and rivalry.

He noted that these tendencies manifest in religious conflicts, disputes, verbal attacks, suppression, domination, religion-based voting, polarised settlement patterns and many others.

Dogo, who condemned the use of religion during the campaigns of 2023 general election, submitted that the results of these anomalies are lack of unity, religious war, massive dislocation, loss of human capital and escalation of poverty.

To engender religious tolerance therefore, Dogo posited the need for religious dialogue, mutual interaction and respect, awareness on our common humanity, upholding constitutional provisions and adhering to religious injunctions relating to religious tolerance, promotion of core of our common national values, addressing social problems like poverty, unemployment, drug abuse which are key drivers of religious intolerance and violence in Nigeria.

Japa Syndrome

Mrs. Rebecca Ede, Managing Consultant/CEO Hadid Consult and Event Management, whose presentation centred on ‘Undue Attraction of Our Youths to Foreign Lands for Greener Pasture’, said 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population mostly youths are leaving in droves because of the economic situation in the country which she attributed to ignorance. She said that “there is no country in the world without conflicts,” of which Nigeria is no exception.

Ede, who gave instances of how young people with good jobs left the shores of Nigeria only to end up doing menial work abroad, said “They get rude shock when they travel abroad,” adding “many are stuck abroad.”

She called on youths in Nigeria to come together and channel their strengths doing meaningful things such as teaching to earn a decent living. “There is greatness in our youths

and they are the building blocks of this country.”

Apart from advocating for examination of the mental health of youths, she called on relevant government and non-governmental organisations to work with the NCAC to mount sensitisation campaigns to enlighten the youths on the risk of Japa, and expose them to the abundant opportunities in Nigeria.

National Rebirth

Consultant Behaviourist/Chief Psychometrician, SABA Resources, Abuja, Dr. James Komolafe, who presented the topic ‘Mobilising Nigerians for National Rebirth’, said that forgiveness is key to achieving the desired national rebirth.

According to Komolafe, Nigeria of today is ravaged by the vices of ethnic and religious sentiments, tension, allegiance to personal and parochial identities, general feeling of apathy, insecurity, mistrust, suspicion and others.

He stressed the need for national unity, peace, reconciliation, saying they are necessary for harmonious co-existence and national development. According to him, cultural revival will engender the much needed national rebirth in the country.

Journalist’s Intervention

Seasoned journalist and award-winning journalist, Babajide Kolade Otitoju, who gave a compelling historical journey of Nigeria, said lack of visionary leadership remains bane of the country’s development, adding that only right leadership in place will rescue Nigeria from its present quagmire.

“We can hit our heads against the wall, we will never achieve the Nigeria of our dreams if we don’t have the right leadership because somebody has to stand in the front to lead.”

“If we couldn’t have a leader that is committed to changing our situation , if we couldn’t have a leader that will stand his ground and say ‘enough is enough’ we are wasting our time.

“If Asiwaju Bola Tinubu will not make things happen, we are in trouble. I’m not a doom’s day prophet, I’m just telling the truth,” Otitoju said.

The veteran journalist, who spoke without his prepared presentation, prayed that it must touch God’s heart to make things happen in Nigeria again.

He recalled when the defunct Nigeria Airways used to be the biggest airline in Africa, and was envious of the Western world due to its exponential growth. All those he lamented today had been consigned to the dustbin of history.

“Nigeria Airways once donated two aircraft to Emirates. It surprises you but that is the truth,” he said

He said that countries like Saudi Arabia, India and others used to come to University Teaching Hospital Ibadan, to receive good medicare.

According to Otitoju, Nigeria began to decline in all sectors it used to do well before because of the quality of leaders coupled with high levels of corruption in the system. He said that if Nigeria is able to produce the right leaders in three election circles, the country will be able to compete with other countries in every sphere of human endeavours because we have the potential and we are blessed as a country.”

Commendation/Goodwill Messages

Moderator of the proceedings, Bonat Joab Tagwai, a development analyst and other participants commended the NCAC boss, Runsewe and his management team for coming up with the idea to set an agenda for a new Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Alhaji Ado Yahuza, Director General of National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Mr. Nura Kangiwa, President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Onung Nkeum, President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Mr. Israel Eboh, President of the Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA), Mr. Suleiman Muhammed, all praised the programme as a bold step in the right direction and stressed the need to sustain this and similar programmes so that the Nigeria of our dream can emerge.

L-R: Tagwai, Ede, Otitoju, Runsewe, Dogo and Komolafe, at the event in Abuja

It is in the light of the foregoing that the National Council for Arts and Culture is kickstarting this conversation that would set the agenda for the birth of the Nigeria of our dreams. It is our conviction that there can be no better time for doing this than now that we are preparing for the inauguration of a new government on May 29, 2023

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Adedimeji, Ademoye, Afegbai lead Stellar cast in HotelLabamba

Ferdinand Ekechukwu of our society.

Starring a stellar cast like Lateef Adedimeji, Bimbo Ademoye, Lilian Afegbai, Bolaji Ogunmola, Kachi Nnochiri, Blessing Jessica Obasi, Etinosa Idemudia, Femi Adebayo and more, comedy-drama ‘Hotel Labamba’ sets buzz following release of the mystery with comical undertones. It follows the murder of a popular Instagram

“Hotel Lambaba is an opportunity to showcase behind-the-scenes that goes on murder, the justice system, and much more.

a good laugh while at it”, Laide Daramola added.

Director Biodun Stephen stated, “My

scenes, engaging dialogue, balanced by an Written by Frances Okeke, ‘Hotel Lambaba’ is directed by Biodun Stephen and produced by Laide Daramola. A date is set in June 2023 for the cinema release nationwide.

a friend about slay queens and Yahoo boys, project is a reminder that not all stories are always as they seem.

the comedy-drama, ‘Hotel Lambaba’, needs to look forward to it. I am equally Stephens said.

Rema Still Enjoying Massive Reception

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Rema, whose real name is

came into the limelight callsubgenre of Afrobeats with ‘Calm Down’, a hit track by Rema, made history as the highest-charting Afrobeats song on the Billboard Hot 100. chart. The feat comes about a week after the song became the second-longest charting no 1 African song in India. ‘Calm Down’ and Roses’, Rema’s highly anticipated debut album released on March 25, 2022. The singer later partnered with Selena Gomez, the US ‘Calm Down’ went platinum in the UK on

he calls ‘Calm Down’ Ultra.

most streamed Afrobeats album on Spotify. The 22-track album features collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, Yseult include the chart-topping and record-breaking Dunno Freestyle’, and ‘Charm’. highest-charting African song on Billboard

The singer recently announced the dates for his O2 Arena concert in London. He shared the news of the must-see show at the 20,000-seated capacity stage, which is London’s biggest entertainment destination, last Tuesday. It is his return to London after sold out concert featuring Fireboy, Victony,

Tiwa Savage to Perform at King Charles’ Coronation Today

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

sistance of his hit singles ‘Calm Down’ and parties will be held across the UK alongside a King Charles III, and his Queen Consort, Camilla, to the throne following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Son the success of her latest tune, ‘Stamina’, featuring fast rising and music producer/singer Young Jonn, to bring fans its celebration of International Women’s Day 2023

England.

The award-winning Nigerian singer shared a photo of her and the Queen Consort, HRH Camila at the royal palace where they paid dominating the industry both at home and

It’s another call for the queen of afrobeats astory show lasting three days at Windsor Castle marking the coronation of King Charles III, the British monarch. The momentous occasion is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London.

studded lineup of world-renowned Faith, and Olly Murs, who are set to the coronation concert and Big Lunch the BBC.

at the coronation is a remarkable

According to a statement released by as one of the select few African artists to perform at the historic coronation concert.

the coronation concert alongside other blend of African and Western sounds.

such as a concert featuring famous celebrities at Windsor Castle, a series of street parties that will take place throughout the country, Help Out.”

further details on the ceremonial, celebratory, the Coronation Weekend between Saturday 6th and Monday 8th May 2023,” read Buckingham

role today and look towards the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”

Cover image of Hotel Labamba

Tiwa

Rema

Meet Daniella Daniel aka Morravey

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

For rising artistes, relentlessly waiting for their moment of breakthrough where their sound reaches the right ears, the grind doesn’t stop. For those that have been at it for several months or years, that of persistence and consistency but with the recent age of social media, the process has for Daniella Daniel aka Morravey. Morravey hails from Port Harcout, Rivers State. She’s both a versatile singer and songwriter with unique voice and a special talent in blending Afro sounds. Before joining Davido Music Worldwide (DMW), she participated in singing competitions and talent shows at her school. She was discovered by Davido from a viral freestyle she posted on Tiktok.

The new signee makes the second woman, after Liya, to work under DMW. Taking to TikTok to show anyone who would care to listen to what she is made of, 21-year-old Morravey posted a series of freestyles on the app. With the drive and hunger of any up-and-coming artist, she tagged several front players of the blooming genre that is Afropop and one viral video later, she successfully gained the attention of Davido.

She was introduced to listeners around the world in Davido’s ‘Timeless’ album.

When on Wednesday, March 29, Davido Music Worldwide unveiled two new artistes, including Morravey, as the latest signees to its now rebranded label DMW 2.0 the unveiling followed the rebranding of the music label, which has adopted a new logo. Morravey has shared some insight about how Davido signed her. In an interview with ‘Turntable Charts,’ the elated singer revealed that she was stunned upon receiving

Davido’s message and was unable to move from her bed. She stated that the head of 30BG had reached out to her, asking for her phone number and expressing his interest in signing her.

She said she was practising to make a cover of a song, and it was being recorded by her friend without her knowing. “So, weeks later, when we couldn’t post that particular song, he posted that video [the part] where I was not showing in it. When he posted it, it was everywhere. Then, one morning, I saw one text message and when I checked it, it was Davido. I shouted ‘Ye!’ I froze. I was on my bed. And then, I sent my manager a text.

“He [Davido] was like: ‘Your voice is amazing. Can I have your number?’ Then, he sent me a text: ‘What’s up? It’s David...’ Then, he sent me a text on WhatsApp and everything went down. He was like: ‘I want to see you in Lagos.’ And that’s how I pushed from Port Harcourt to Lagos.”

Kiekie To Host HelloMrRight on StarTimes

Instagram sensation, Kiekie will host season two of the sensational dating show, Hello Mr Right, on StarTimes, with N20 million worth of prizes for winners. Kiekie, also known as Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, is a talented TV presenter and content creator known for her unique style and engaging personality. She will bring a wealth of experience and charisma to the show and keep viewers entertained as they follow the contestants’ journey in their search for love.

Hello Mr Right, sponsored by Colgate, Indomie, and Lush Hair, is a reality dating show that brings together single men and women looking for love. The show features a series of challenges and tasks designed to help the contestants prove their compatibility and suitability for each other. The audience

will also have the opportunity to vote for show’s outcome.

hold in Lagos on May 9th at Le Mango Restaurant, 3a, Fajuyi Street, GRA, Ikeja, from 8am to 4pm.

“We are thrilled to have Kiekie on board as the host of Hello Mr Right,” said Yemi Nigeria. “Her energy and charm are a perfect viewers to see her in action.”

Hello Mr Right will premiere in June on ST Nollywood Plus and Novela E channels on StarTimes. “Don’t miss out on all the excitement and drama as Kiekie helps the contestants navigate the ups and downs of Headline sponsors Colgate, Indomie, and Lush Hair have expressed their delight in

partnering with StarTimes to bring quality content and entertainment to Nigerian homes. They also assured viewers of amazing prizes and giveaways throughout the show.

Bayanni

Mavin Stars Motivate Me Kashcoming Steps Out with Debut EP

Bayanni (Abimbola Oladokun) is fast becoming a success in music. His recent remix, Ta Ta Ta, featuring American artiste, Jason Derulo is doing very well. Bayanni is also a TikTok sensation, making him one to watch in the industry. He talks Tosin Clegg about signing to Mavin Records, his journey so far and much more

Joining Mavin Records

Since I got signed to Mavin, I have improved in major key areas of my music. I have learned how to make the best use of my main instrument which is my voice. I have also learned to be consistent in my delivery which has contributed to my relevance in the music industry. I do not feel pressured surrounded by other artistes in the label rather I feel motivated to do better today than I did yesterday.

I knew I was going to do music

My music has evolved. My sense of reasoning has evolved. For me, I knew I was going to do music. I was born into a musical family. I had was a collective thing. My four brothers too were playing instruments. We played music together in church. I saw that I did music better than any other thing I was doing. So, I knew it was going to be music. There was no maybe or maybe not. There is something my mother always told me. She said, ‘focus on what you do best’ and music was the thing I did best.

Recent remix with Jason Derulo

It feels really amazing to have one of my should look out for collaborations such as these and more! The goal is for my music to reach every corner of the world. I will continue to work hard to make this dream come true.

Bayanni

Afrobeats movement

I make music that cuts across all areas. My based on how I feel at the time. Also, it’s a big blessing to be part of the Afrobeats

sure of is that I’ll make sure opinion, it is important to create a unique identity for a recording or performing artiste as it is as important as your branding, it’s important that people are able to connect with who is behind the mic. In most cases, it strengthens the artiste’s fan base.

I love performing live

My view on critics opine that recording artistes over-rely on made beats. Sometimes, the stage or set up may not be conducive enough for a live band performance. I love performing live to my audience but if the stage isn’t set up well and spaced enough for my band to perform with me, some of the reasons and it is mostly up to the organisers.

Timeless music I want to be known as the artiste that makes timeless music. The team and I have been working on Bayanni for a long time now. We are ready for the good things to come. Also, I have always wanted to do acting too, and I have plans to explore the movie industry as well. In time, we will see how that goes.

ff the heels of a riveting BNXN remix to his 2021 fame-spinner, “Saloo”, fastrising Afro-fusion maestro Kashcoming, born Ashiru with his debut Extended rings through as a rubber stamp on his elegant artistry and come-up. And is available across all music streaming platforms.

Produced by a hit-focused team consisting of Dibs, Semzi, Crackermallo, Kapentar, LilGee and identity as a hit-maker. From the opening track, “Miracle,” where smooth choral backups wash over an infectious hook that sees Kashcoming profess his fidelity to his lover, to the closing track “Falling,” where he lays a strong bridge to his desires, conveying his sincerest intentions to his lover over a breezy mood-lifting pop beat, Kashcoming stands out interestingly in a lover boy mien.

While the record has its roses in emotions, Kashcoming is also a man of melody and melodrama. He takes on an Amapiano wave in two solid standout tracks, “How Low” and “Kosa”. In “How Low”, Kashcoming questions his lover’s spinal audacity on the dance floor as he asks her ‘how low can you go?’ with a techno-esque auto tone that drifts over the Amapiano beat just the same way Micheal Jackson could drift over Billie Jean.

While in “Kosa” he carries this Amapiano brilliance with an impressive charisma that makes one move their feet subconsciously. The chanting and cadence used in the record just goes to further re-stamps Kashcoming’s intentionality and excelling artistry.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Morravey

Kiekie

Kashcoming

Creation’s Finest: Tribute to Oluwole Oduyemi @ 80

The quintessential banker and administrator, Mr. Oluwole Oduyemi, who was a former Deputy Governor and my boss at the Central Bank of Nigeria, turned 80 years old on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. How time flies.

Sometime in 1987, a colleague pointed at a tall trim man striding across the mezzanine floor overlooking the banking hall of the iconic but now disused Tinubu Square, Lagos building of the Central Bank of Nigeria. “That is your new Director of Banking Operations, Mr. O.S. Oduyemi” he announced. This disclosure did not elicit any particular warmth or excitement in me as I viewed the appointment as a case of “adverse” selection over our revered “Double Chief” who was already acting in the position and was considered by us, the shopfloor folks, as the natural choice to fill the vacancy created by the posting of MS Udoh, to NIDB (now BOI) as Executive Director.

In what is a testament to the enormity and depth of his sterling personal and professional attributes, this somewhat bland, if not outrightly unwelcoming initial reception, was soon to be reversed. In the settling-down familiarization meetings and interactions he engaged in, we were treated to a deft display and natural flow of eloquence and intellect that was at once deep and open as well as humble and honest. Events were to quickly evolve and unfold to show that in Oduyemi, we had a debonair, urbane and quintessential professional that had come to turn things around for good.

Two years on, the year 1989 opened up with what could arguably pass as the most turbulent in the annals of financial stability in Nigeria. The liberalised bank licensing regime of the 1986 Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), had left in its wake, a litany/string of poorly capitalized and badly managed banks. These banks and an even larger number of so-called finance houses, were now a veritable source of systemic risk for the financial system and the overall health of the economy at large. CBN Governor Abdulkadir Ahmed’sresponsetotheproblem,wastoempanel an in-house team of technical eggheads, with OduyemiasHeadandGaniOgunleyeasSecretary. With an eclectic and detailed case by case diagnostic approach, he led the Committee to produce a report in record time which was adoptedandwhollyacceptedforimplementation by the authorities. This effectively stemmed and reversed the slide, resulting in the stronger and more resilient banking industry with which we were ushered into the 1990’s. In this assignment, as with all other high stake assignments that were to follow, he exhibited a prodigious ability to draw fromthe deepintellectualand scholarly exposure hehadgarneredbothatworkandfromtheseveral academic and professional portals he had gone through over the years: Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta (School Certificate); University of Lagos (B.Sc Accounting); Chartered Institute ofBankers,UK(ACIB);andHeriotWattUniversity, Edinburgh,Scotland,UK(M.ScBanking&Finance).

An upgrade to Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (FCIB) and a UNILAG Distinguished Alumni Award were to follow in later years. Then came that momentous Friday, July 20, 1990 news broadcast on national radio, of his appointment to the position of Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The appointment was an elevation to the very heights of banking in Nigeria and with it, expectedly, a heavy burden of high level responsibilities. But guess what was one of the first tasks he focused his attention on: how to financially salvage Ajisegiri, his Office messenger, who, we were told, on receiving the news of the appointment, had “declared surplus” amongst his friends and neighbours, partying all through the weekend in celebration and was now broke! All through his career, this caring personal touch and emphasis on the human angle to issues, would be a regular feature of his work style. The 1990 appointment as Deputy Governor

turned out to be an unprecedented and yet-tobe-broken record tenure of 14 years. The tenure saw him through the administrations of three illustrious CBN Governors - Abdulkadir Ahmed, Paul Ogwuma and Joseph Sanusi. Under these Governors and indeed together with them, he was to undertake and achieve a wide range of financialengineering feats inthe managementof the Nigerian financial system and the economy at large. Some of the breakthrough initiatives he directly superintended during this period include the decimalization of the currency structure, the introduction of buffer stock strategy to the management of the currency and the revitalisation of the Printing & Minting Company for an enhanced local sourcing of the currency indent. There was also the reform of the structural rigidities associated with the clearing house system, particularly in the area of upcountry interbank payment settlements, as well as the strategic regularisation of the Bank’s warped staff complement following the recruitment hiatus of the 1990’s. His 40-year tour of duty at the CBN was brought to a close in 2004 in a blaze of glory marked by an unprecedented series of emotion-laden valedictory/sendforth sessions and retirement parties that spanned a 2-week period in the Bank.

The CBN-era was followed by a co-option onto the Board of Directors of Guaranty Trust Bank (GT Bank). He became Bank’s Chairman in 2010 and retired mandatorily on May 3, 2013 when he turned 70 years. This reference to the GT Bank tenure, draws attention to the lesser

known commercial banking dimension to the rich career record of our celebrant. Earlier in 1982, he had a stint with the redoubtable Subomi Balogun in his audacious trail blazing incursion into private banking with the founding of FCMB. A recall by his mentors and senior colleagues in banking – Oladele Olashore and A. Adesina, amongst others, was to see him return to his bank examination and banking supervision duties at the Central Bank. Preceding all these, was the 1961 – 63 start to his working life at the then Barclays Bank DCO (the precursor of today’s Union Bank Plc) as a rookie bank clerk/cashier.

There has thus been an interesting non-central banking phase to the career record we celebrate today. The commercial banking account is further made significant by the interesting turn it adds to the celebrant’s career record – a career cycle that started at the bottom rung in a commercial bank, as a bank clerk/cashier, was providentially brought to a climatic end, also in a commercial bank, at the very top, as bank Chairman.

A further noteworthy feature to the career feats we celebrate today, is the open, generous, humane and helpful disposition with which he carried out his work. Ever so accommodating and ready to lend a helping hand, he had in the course of his long and eventful career, extended succour, relief and comfort to sundry individuals. The sublime quality to the substrate and base on which he carried out his work, was such that not only touched and shaped the destinies of countless individuals, but also of institutions, sectors and systems across the economy and nation at large. His has been a world view and disposition to others that is completely shorn of base considerations of gender, creed, tongue or standing in society.

This was perhaps best seen in the polyglot and melting pot makeup of his offices over the years: from Grace Eromosele to Mathias Essien, Mercy Ekezie, Henrietta Atukum and Bukky Adenubi. From yours truly, ‘Okor Ezewu, to Clem Buari, Paul Oboh, Tanimu Musa, Abiodun Williams, Dada Autason, Abubakar “Computer” Adamu, Mike Egbuniwe, Garba Abdullahi, Umoru Ameh, Ajisegiri and Akpan. From Gombe, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger to Kogi, Edo, Delta, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi to Ondo, Ogun and Lagos States – there was hardly a part of Nigeria that was not represented even when there was no deliberate act of profiling towards a premeditated end result. The broad spectrum and cross-sectional spread, as well as wide reach of his circle of friends and close confidantes, similarly testify to this: Oba Otudeko, ARK Ishmael, Halilu Musa, Galadinma Borno, Lugard Aimiuwu, Alfredo Prado, Vincent Omoike, Mathew Odano, Pat Ataman, Prof. Odebunmi and Mr. Adeyemi Faithfulness, made manifest in a deep sense of

A further noteworthy feature to the career feats we celebrate today, is the open, generous, humane and helpful disposition with which he carried out his work. Ever so accommodating and ready to lend a helping hand, he had in the course of his long and eventful career, extended succour, relief and comfort to sundry individu- als. The sublime quality to the substrate and base on which he carried out his work, was such that not only touched and shaped the destinies of countless individuals, but also of institutions, sectors and systems across the economy and nation at large

loyalty, obligation and deference to colleagues, present and past, were among the other features ofthemindsetwithwhichhedischargedhisduties. Never one to forget a past relationship, he was always a dependable ally and would often be seen personally and directly attending to requests for favour, particularly coming from past senior colleagues. One recalls in this regard, the several times he would be seen leaving his seat as Director of Banking Operations, to personally see to a commonplace request like a mint note cash exchange from say, a personality like the last sole Deputy Governor of the Bank, Alhaji AOG Otiti. I also recall joining him as his Special Assistant, in a number of informal courtesy visits to the then retired Governor Abdulkadir Ahmed, some of which entailed day long, out-of-the-way trips to his Kaduna home and that emotional last visit to him on his terminal sickbed in London, England! Besides and beyond workplace accomplishments, there are other sides to the life Oduyemi has lived these 80 years that make it deserving of today’scelebrations.Anacknowledgedchampion husband, father and patriarch, he has been married to Mummy Veronica, his Agenebode, Edo State princess wife these last 52 years (and still counting).Togetherwiththeirthreesons-Adesina, Adebayo and Ademola (and a growing number of grandchildren through them), they constitute a close knit and love-centred family home that have over the years, served as the solid front and base from which he has launched forth to the ‘outside’ world. Their home has also served as the stabilizing and rallying centre for the expansive Oduyemi family clan of Ibogun-Abeokuta, Ogun State. It has also been a shelter-home to countless other relatives and non-relatives, in-laws, and even their children’s school friends.

His faith-walk and work, is yet another aspect of his life worthy of celebration. Evidently in recognition and appreciation of the place of divine benevolence in all he had been able to accomplish in life, his service to God, has emerged an important area of focus for our celebrant, particularly in the later years of his life. In 2004, the Oduyemis and 18 other families in the New Estate Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, were commissionedaspioneer missionaries, to found and establish a new Church on the Island-end of the City. With unwavering commitment to the call, they together with others that have since joined them, have succeeded in establishing the New Dawn Baptist Church at Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos, the thriving ministry of which now serves as a veritable beacon of hope and an oasis for the spiritually thirsty and deficient in and around the Islands catchment area. The beautiful edifice they have erected for the Church is a landmark which proudly adorns the V.I. Annexe skyline.

Here then is a synoptic albeit high-level outline of the life and times of Oduyemi up until this day, Wednesday, May 3, 2023, as he attains the age of 80 years. It has indeed been a life of professional excellence, mentorship and guidance, as well as unending benevolence. The uncommonly impactful and almost inimitable nature of the record of his accomplishments make his life not only worth celebrating but one that presents a challenge and standard for all who aspire for high public Office. One could in fact be led to ask or wonder if in him, we don’t have one of creation’s finest? I personally answered that question long ago in the affirmative, from my privileged close association and interactions with him these last 36 years. To me, Oduyemi is certainly not a mere man but one who through the diligent application of self, has earned his place amongst Kings. He is, without doubt, one of creation’s finest and today, I joyfully join all people of goodwill in saying: Happy birthday sir. My wife Asoa, joins me in extending warm and affectionate felicitations, as well as praying for his many more happy returns to May 3 in the years ahead, in Jesus name. Best wishes, Sir. Okpokor (‘Okor) Ezewu, Special Assistant I to Oduyemi (!990 – 2004).

Okpokor Ezewu

Oduyemi

Seyi Vodi

Making Cloths for President Weah is a Proof of our Quality

Emmanuel Oluwaseyi Adekunle, popularly known as Seyi Vodi is a fashion designer that not only typifies the can-do spirit of an average young Nigeria, but he is also a massive testament of the veracity of the mustard seed that germinated and became a big tree. Arguably the number one in the country today, Seyi Vodi had gone to Akwa Ibom to participate in the mandatory one-year national service after obtaining a degree in Geology from the University of Maiduguri. As a ‘corper’, it was during a visit to Aba that the idea of selling boxers and packed shirts occurred to him. And that was it. After his NYSC in 2001, instead of looking for job, he set up the fashion house, Vodi. Among his clients are governors, ministers, captains of industry and four African presidents, including President George Weah of Liberia. When Samuel Ajayi sat down with him last week in Abuja, it was Seyi Vodi at his best as he dissected the business of fashion with so much ease and authority. Feel him…

What is your design philosophy? Simplicity. We make it simple but classy. And our designs are timeless.

What is it that you offer your clients or your customers that you know that they’re not likely to get it in another place?

Originality and simplicity. And it should be affordable, affordability in terms of I can give you of other brands. I will give you example of Zara. The philosophy behind Zara is affordability. You understand? And you get your money’s worth. And the added advantage in our own line is that our pieces are timeless. We turn out timeless pieces in the sense that, for decades we’ve been on this and people have come and brought clothes we made like fifteen, sixteen years ago and they still look as they were made today. So, we have been able to carve out a niche for ourselves in the line of fashion in Africa in the sense that our pieces are quite presidential. That’s what informed the patronage we’ve gotten from even the diaspora, from captains of industry, presidents of other nations; not even only in Nigeria.

When you just mentioned something about diaspora. I heard somewhere that you made a cloth for the President of Liberia, President George Weah. How true is this?

That is a fact. And it’s been a long-term relationship that precedes his ascension to the Presidency and not only him. We have the President of Sierra Leone; we have the President of Guinea and couple of other presidents like that.

From what you are saying that means you have at least more than two West African presidents you make clothes for?

Yes.

Can we say it is an expression of the kind of confidence they have in Nigerian brands; which you have been able to showcase to them that they at least step out of the shores of their country to choose a fashion designer from Nigeria?

Now, when it comes to fashion, I don’t want to separate Africa. I want to look at Africa holistically as one entity. Thank you. One entity. So is the black man thing. So, they have come to appreciate it, irrespective the fact that they are not Nigerians. The most important thing is that it is a good brand. It doesn’t have creed, doesn’t have religion, doesn’t have colour, doesn’t have geographical location. So, for me, yes, it started from Nigeria, but now it’s been accepted all over

Africa. So that includes the Presidents of these other countries and that is whether they’re in or out of power.

What’s the category of those you make close for in Nigeria?

That takes me back to the first question when you asked me about the philosophy of the brand. When I told you affordability, I truly meant affordability. It transcends class. It transcends status and upwardly mobile, young and upcoming consumers. We have it in different category. But

as a matter of fact, I will tell you that 50% actually of our clientele are from that class, that category. And these are captains of industries, from the upper echelon of the society. They are the ones that really appreciate our work.

The Vice President-elect Kashim Shettima, was here and people were surprised. So, what’s your relationship with him?

Now, you see. People would not understand something. The Vice President-elect is someone I have grown to admire. He’s one of my mentors.

He has mentored me so well even before he became a senator. We graduated from same university. Though of course, he had graduated before I came in.

Which university was that?

University of Maiduguri Okay? And don’t forget that he was a banker before he joined politics. And ever since then, we’ve had this relationship like a big brother and younger brother. So if the vice president-elect came here the other time and it was still in the media, to me, it was not big

Seyi Vodi

I Detest Lazy People and I Love Young People that Will Bring Value

deal. Reason being that he’s been here several times. He’s been here several times during the night, day, weekend, anytime he walks in because this place is second home to him. And again, let me tell you one thing that will interest you. He doesn’t wear any shoes apart from our products because we are into shoe production too: the Vodi shoes. So, he feels very comfortable in them. And he’s been one of our greatest ambassadors. He has supported the brand in terms of patronage and he has given us very good referrals too. And we have this relationship together. I’m from Southwest. I’m Yoruba , he’s Kanuri from the Borno State. But somehow destiny has brought us together like almost 20 years ago and remained so till date.

Did you actually set out to become a fashion designer, or it was accidental?

(Laughs) It was hunger. Hahahahah. That was a joke. Okay, I studied geology in my first degree. And you can see that it was a world apart. I mean what am I doing in the world of art? It started when I was doing my mandatory one-year NYSC in Akwa Ibom State in the year 2000. And where I was serving in Akwa Ibom State was not far from Aba in Abia state. During our weekly community development service, CDS, days, we always had enough time. So, we would travel to Aba, it was one-and-a-half-hour trip. We would go to the market. So, in that market, I saw sheer ingenuity in the young people from that area. I mean young boys, you know, who were into tailoring and also into cobbling. And I took interest in tailoring because I love good clothes right from time and they were quite affordable and these were Nigerian products. And you know, the first time I saw, I grew up to know foreign packed shirts. And I believed before then that shirt that would be worth wearing were be made abroad. When I saw it, my monthly stipend than was N3600. So, I used it as my first capital; got a few shirts, took them back to Akwa Ibom. And by the time I went back to the ‘Corpers’ Lodge’, it was sold out. The following week, I went back. Then I went back and I went back and never looked back. And that is the foundation of Vodi today.

The name Vodi, what does it mean?

As a matter of fact, Vodi means ‘her beauty’. It’s a Fulani word for beauty. It’s actually spelled V-W-O-D-I. We took out the ‘W’ for easy pronunciation. How did I get the name? It came from a friend, a female friend of mine while we were at the university in our first year. It was her name and I liked the name because it’s somebody that was my very good friend. Once I began the business, I started searching for a name. And one night like that, that name came to me. Vwodi: which literally means beauty. I said this sounds nice and very catchy. Thank you.

Those your friends that time; I mean those guys during your NYSC days? Are you still in contact with them?

Yes, we still talk. Social media has made it a lot easier. Someone like me, I’m out there you know.

Before I came here, the thought was that you were only into fashion. But I equally saw massive investments in laundry, shoes business and other related businesses. But people out there only know about the fashion business unless those who come. What informed the addition of these other businesses?

The tailoring business was the first child and it has given birth to so many other businesses like you mentioned. We will soon be into shoemaking very soon. We are also delving into furniture and real estate. We have a lot of businesses that we’re going to use at some point. We are planning to go into agriculture. It’s part of our Vodi Group. It’s part of our four or five-year plan which has started last year and hopefully we have all those things encapsulated within the time range I mentioned earlier on.

I was at your factory yesterday. I mean where the tailors work. And it was amazing. What’s your staff strength like?

Now in the past 20 years, we’ve employed over 20,000 Nigerians and we’ve done so much in terms of training, in terms of working experience, in terms of IT, in terms of NYSC and in terms of foundation. So, right now and to be specific, the staff strength now is over 300. This is the number of people that are currently under our employment. They work around the clock to make us what we are today. We have over 45

You have to leave your comfort zone to go to other places in Nigeria. We have 36 states in Nigeria including the FCT. I told you I was trained in Aba. How many times have they showcased Aba tailors? You understand? They’re the ones that trained the almighty Vodi. So if they can’t showcase the people that trained you, so who am I to even question them? So they just want to probably project somebody in their corridor; in their doorstep and then put him in the business. So if that’s what you meant by silence, then it’s okay graduates with good degrees like first class, second class upper among them.

Now, what are the plans to give something back to the society? I asked this because you mentioned something yesterday maybe something like a fashion TV.

Now very soon we hope to acquire a TV license so that we can showcase African fashion. We can use it to inspire and bring up and showcase young talents within the sphere of Africa. Now, you see it’s no longer what it used to be when we started. Now you find out young people going into fashion. Even my daughter, she’s 13. Now if you ask her what does she want to do? She wants to become a fashion designer because she’s been inspired. And today you have so many young people in our society that really want to

of giving back to society. And of course, we are building a library in my Alma mater. And then I’m sure you heard about the solar fundraiser that they did there. You also heard about our contribution towards solving the problem of shortage in supply of electricity. We had to do this so that students could read in the night. These, among so many others, are what we have really been doing for the past years.

Apart from fashion, what would you have love to do?

Two things: One, I would have loved to be a lawyer, seasoned lawyer.

But it is not too late

Yes. It is not. You are right. But the second one, I think that one is a little bit too late. I would have loved to be a military officer.

As an individual, you seem very accommodating to people around you and you treat them well. But what are the things that put you off. I hate laziness. I detest lazy people and I love young people that will bring value.

Is that why you resume here 8am and close by 1am?

Yes, but closing 1:00am is not of my own making. Truly, getting here 7am is of my own making. I love to wake up early to start my day bright, but closing 1am is a different thing. Sometimes, it is because of clients, there are certain high net-worth clients that during the day are busy in their offices like me and they like to come in from 10pm to 11pm. You know sometimes they are trying to change their whole wardrobe and that might take two hours of explanation; like me trying to show them new designs. And that is because I like to give it that personal touch. Not that I don’t have people that were trained that even if I’m not on the business premises, the business will still run, generate what it generates and even probably better.

Now, if may ask: why the silence all this while? People don’t even know about Vodi.

What do you mean that people didn’t know about Vodi? People that matter in our society know about Vodi. People that inquire, go out of their way to look for best clothes. They know about Vodi. People that appreciate luxury know about Vodi.

So when was shoe business added?

Shoe business was added about nine years ago because of popular demand. Because certain clients would come and when travelling from, say Lagos to London to have a meeting and they have a nice kaftan to wear and then there’s no good shoes to wear. So we decided to add cufflinks. You can see the cufflinks here. They are our products too. They are Vodi products. As you can see, well branded, Vodi branded. You can see the Vodi cufflinks. Then the one thing I haven’t told you is most of these fabrics are product of Vodi fabrics. We produce these fabrics. I will show you downstairs. It’s made in Nigeria. About my silence. I understand your question. What you meant by silence if you mean the media no, that’s where investigative journalism comes in, you know, that’s not my fault. You want content, you have to go out of your region. Most Lagos media outfits don’t know that things don’t start and end in Lagos.

Can you say it is because we are not based in Lagos?

be fashion designers. As a forerunner, as a torchbearer and as a leading light in the business, we are looking at that area so that we can be able to help them put their content together in a better way, rewrite their story and project their story to the outside world through this TV we try to set up. And again, in terms of giving back to society, I was talking to someone from Benue State. We have promised to help them train 40 young Nigerians from that state for the period of five years. We’re going to pick from every geopolitical zone. That is coming up and we’re building a hostel will take 100 people at a time. Then we will have buses that take them from the hostel to the training school which is about being completed now. That’s one of ours ways

I was about to say that. You have to leave your comfort zone to go to other places in Nigeria. We have 36 states in Nigeria including the FCT. I told you I was trained in Aba. How many times have they showcased Aba tailors? You understand? They’re the ones that trained the almighty Vodi. So if they can’t showcase the people that trained you, so who am I to even question them? So they just want to probably project somebody in their corridor; in their doorstep and then put him in the business. So if that’s what you meant by silence, then it’s okay.

So how do you unwind?

To be honest, I love attending parties, especially on weekends. That is the only way to take my mind off the stress of work and fashion design. Sundays are for my family. I usually dedicate that day to them. I also like traveling. I have been to India, China, USA, United Kingdom and so many other countries around the world. That is just me for you.

Seyi Vodi

POLITY

Osita Izunaso, a Core Party Man Who Wants to Become Senate President

Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

Osita Izunaso was at the centre of the politics that birthed the All Progressives Congress when the then opposition parties, All Nigeria Peoples Party, Action Congress of Nigeria, Congress of Progressive Change and a faction of All Progressives Grand Alliance led by Rochas Okorocha came together to form what is today the ruling party in Nigeria.

This Imo West Senator-elect has paid his dues in APC as a core party man. He was in the merger committee that midwived APC and became the founding National Organising Secretary, a position he held for about five years. As the Organising Secretary, he managed the 2014 National Convention of the party at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos where the current President Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the presidential candidate of APC. The 2014 APC Presidential Convention has been adjudged as the most transparent party primary ever conducted in the history of Nigeria and Izunaso always beat his chest for doing a great job as the Organising Secretary under whose purview the responsibility rests.

He was first elected into House of Representatives in 2003 and elected into the Senate in 2007. In the Red Chamber, he served as Chairman of Committees and member of others; ranging from Rules and Business, Local and Foreign Debts, Housing, Gas, Foreign Affairs and Sports Development. He also sponsored many bills and led debates during plenary sessions.

As things stand today, Izunaso who is returning to the Senate for the second time is the highest-ranking Senator from the South-east and South-south and considers himself the most prepared and most experienced and most qualified to be the next Senate President and lead the 10th National Assembly that will be inaugurated on June 13, 2023.

Izunaso said, “Among those vying for the Senate presidency especially from the South, I am the most qualified in terms of service to the party, loyalty and commitment to APC. I was there at the beginning of APC. I am one of the people that was there at the foundation of the party. I was in the merger committee put together by the opposition parties that formed APC. I have laboured hard for the party as the founding National Organising Secretary. In all party assignments, I have discharged them with commitment and unwavering loyalty.

“The other people contesting for this position came to our party as joiners after we have won the 2015 presidential election against all odds. They actually worked vigoriously for PDP, their party then to win the election. If we didn’t fight to win the election in 2015, will APC be the ruling party today? Will they be in our party today to seek to lead the National Assembly. If the office of the Senate President is about who has served and worked faithfully for the party, I am the most qualified.”

Various political and socio-cultural groups are currently appealing to the leadership of APC to Zone the Senate Presidency to the South East where Izunaso comes from. Apart from his qualification for the number three job, the former party top official disclosed his mission for the Senate and National Assembly.

Izunaso has promised to rebrand the red chamber and lead the National Assembly in fulfilling the yearnings of Nigerians for the renewed hope agenda for a better Nigeria being promoted by the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

“I have the experience, education, character, and integrity to lead the Senate to fulfill the Renewed Hope mantra of the president-elect. That is why I have adopted the mantra ‘Hope Assured’. Nigerians need to start having trust in the National Assembly and I am that man who stands out with a proven record of integrity, patriotism, and loyalty,” he said.

No doubt, the position of Senate President should be zoned to the South-east. With Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, the two topmost political offices in Nigeria have been taken by the South-west and North-east. Political expediency, quest for national stability and cohesion dictate that the number three political position and the head of the legislative arm of government should go to the South East.

Historically, the Nigeria federation has always rested on the tripod of three dominant ethnic groups of Hausa/ Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo. Under the current political dispensation, the Yoruba and Hausa/Fulani which now include Kanuri have produced the President and the Vice President. The imperative of political inclusiveness and arresting the agitation for Biafra in the South-east, especially among the young people who have been misled into the nefarious activities by IPOB/ESN, support the zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South-east.

The post-May 29, 2023 leadership of two out of the three arms of government presents a unique dilemma for the country. The President as the head of the Executive

Izunaso

arm and government will be a Yoruba-Muslim and the Head of Judiciary will remain another Yoruba-Muslim. To dilute this equation needs a strong Igbo patriot who will also be a Christian. The South-South geopolitical Zone has served as Vice President and President for a combined period of 8 years since return of civil rule in Nigeria in 1999. The North-West has produced President twice with late President Umaru Yar’adua and outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari ditto for North-East that produced a Vice President in person of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar from

1999-2007. The North-East has again retained the Vice Presidency. The most disadvantaged geopolitical zone in Nigeria since 1960 remains the South-East.

In terms of political representation in APC, South-south has benefited more than the South-east since its formation. Chief John Oyegun and Comrade Adams Oshiomole have been National Chairman of APC while Senator John Akpan Udoedehe from Akwa-Ibom served as National Secretary of the APC. At the moment, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta State is the Deputy Senate President. It is politically wise to stop the Peter Obi and IPOB/ESN wave in the South East and the best way to achieve this is to have a man from the region in top three political positions and on order of protocols in Nigeria

Distinguished Senator Osita Izunaso OFR is a committed patriot and nationalist of the highest order. A core party man, urbane, cosmopolitan in outlook and worldview, competent party administrator, journalist of repute and a lawyer. Izunaso also served as Board Chairman, National Automative Design and Development Council. As philanthropist and Humanitarian, he founded Kpakpando Foundation for Persons living with disabilities since 2009. Armed with quality education and a political experience that is unique to him, Senator Osita has declared his interest to be the President of the 10th Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly. Izunaso already met with President Muhammadu Buhari earlier on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023 where he presented his certificate of return as Senator-elect of his Imo West constituency and also informed him of his interest in seeking the top leadership position in the Senate.

Izunaso graduated from University of Jos in 1989 with a degree in English Language and bagged a postgraduate diploma in journalism from the University of Abuja in 1998. To further his postgraduate qualifications, he got a Masters in Business Administration from University of Calabar. His quest for knowledge and personal development led him to study Law at the Nile University, Abuja where graduated with a First Class Honours. He graduated from the Nigeria Law School Abuja Campus with a Second Class Upper. Senator Osita has also bagged a Masters Degree in Law.

Before his sojourn in politics, Izunaso was a journalist. The Senator has a unique credential that no federal legislator past and present in Nigeria can boast of. He is the only person in Nigeria’s history to ever worked as a staff of the two chambers of the National Assembly and later served in both chambers as elected representative of the people. In 1992, Senator Osita worked as the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of House of Representatives, Agunwa Anakwe. He also served as the Chief Press Secretary to Senate President, Chief Evans Nwerem with the return of civilian administration in 1999. He had earlier served as Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Jim Nwobodo from 1995-97 and retained same position with Minister of Labour and Productivity (1998-1999).

As things stand today, Izunaso who is returning to the Senate for the second time is the highest-ranking Senator from the Southeast and South-south and considers himself the most prepared and most experienced and most qualified to be the next Senate President. Izunaso has promised to rebrand the red cham ber and lead the National Assembly in fulfilling the yearnings of Nigerians for the renewed hope agenda for a better Nigeria being promoted by the Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu

Power Show of Shame At Arik Air

Justicus Adegbenro

America’s 40th President Ronald Reagan is reported to have made the utterly bewildering declaration: ‘’The most terrifying words in the English language are I’m from the government and I’m here to help’’.

The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) according to its own website was created to be a key stabilizing and re-vitalizing tool aimed at reviving the financial system by efficiently resolving the non-performing loan assets of the banks in the Nigerian economy. It declares that its business philosophy is to Acquire Eligible Bank Assets (EBAs) from Eligible Financial Institutions (EFIs) at a fair value and put these assets to economic use in a profitable manner. So, we can safely conclude that AMCON, the economic redeemer for bad bank debts, predestined to die (at sunset) to take away all the sins of debtors, is a bonafide epitome of help from Government.

Its special mission required special powers to enhance its performance, after all, what can be super about a superhero (helper) without his/her superpowers. These special powers include but are not limited to the following:

A protected receivership regime which enables it to appoint its own receiver for a debtor company; power to apply ex-parte for possession of a debtor’s property while filing a debt recovery action within 14 days of the grant of such order; power to apply ex-parte for attachment and freezing of a debtor’s funds while filing a debt recovery action within 14 (fourteen) days of the grant of such order; special powers in bankruptcy proceedings where a debtor can be adjudged bankrupt by virtue of a receiving order made pursuant to the Act; simpler set of winding up rules; and special debt recovery procedure where the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court was obligated to designate Judges for the swift hearing and determination of AMCON debt recovery matters.

The government may have unwittingly created a judge, Jury and executioner, a Dr Frankenstein. AMCON by virtue of its powers seems to have created Victor Frankenstein, ‘’the monster’’ - something that cannot be controlled and that attacks or destroys the person who invented it.

In the form of a receiver manager of Arik Air, exparte orders, as we usually find, may have a dubious reputation or tendency of sacrificing justice on the altar of expedience. A 14-day temporary order became the basis for a six-year stay without any report of stewardship. The icing on the odious cake is the receiver manager (usually court appointed) who has reportedly disobeyed court orders. Yet AMCON has maintained a deafening silence.

IT is understood that according to CAMA, the general ground upon which an application for appointment of a receiver is granted is the protection or preservation of the

property or corporate entity, for the benefit of persons with a vested interest in it. It’s is also explained that where a receiver is also appointed as a manager, he may manage the charged asset until the debt is realised after which the asset reverts to the debtor.

So, who has the receiver manager’s stay benefited? The Aviation agencies who have not received any kobo from the outstanding N10 billion debt claim, AMCON who had to bail out ARIK in receivership? Or the owners who await a report for reconciliation so they can have their company back.

It’s the 8th real wonder of the world that such a lofty aim of help, rescue and redemption has degenerated into a show of shame, an open refusal of the rights of the owners and most of all the refusal of the receiver manager to render any accounts of its stewardship.

All this while, the clear signs of the destruction of value have continued unabated in staggering proportions. Reminds one of the military era where the rescuers take over and loot more than the civilians they condemned in their take over broadcasts!

This is a shocking tale of two “undertakers’’, one who undertakes the risk and management of business (the Entrepreneur) and another who misunderstands his business to mean preparing the dead for burial and to arrange and manage funerals. but whose responsibility extends to the continuation and management of the business and subsequent handover of a going concern to the owners while having recovered the debts of its creditors.

The entrepreneur is Sir A. I. Arumemi Johnson who started Arik Air with the defining question “Why is it that Nigerians flying in their homeland do not enjoy the same level of safety and comfort that exists in Europe and North America?’’ He invested enormous capital, blood tears and sweat and bet goodwill earned from decades of exceling as a world class Engineer in a Leading brand world and an entrepreneur of high repute. He delivered a world class flag carrier in cooperation with top in class manufacturers like Boeing, General Electric and leading Maintenance teams like Lufthansa All for the greater good and some possible profit. When economic shocks brought about an existential crisis, one would have expected saner minds to prevail with the helpful support to navigate the headwinds. Arik got instead the “help from Government” with the unleashing of an undertaker manager - Kamilu Alaba Omokhide. An AMCON staff with the dubious claim of being a turnaround and restructuring expert with absolutely no previous track record of successful project delivery at any scale, suddenly handed the reigns of an international multibillion naira enterprise.

Kamilu had described his role in Arik as that of an AMCON appointed administrator running a fully supported company to deliver improved services. He had predicated his exit would be through shareholder funding, foreign direct

investment, or asset sale. These were in his own words on his own page even while his watch turned Nigeria’s foremost carrier to a lagging one, with no evidence of any proper account or report of any progress that could interest any foreign investor or elicit the shareholder investment.

All that is discernible is the aggressive and destructive plunder of assets he was sent to support and turnaround as an’ expert’’. Alas our accountant has failed even in the most basic duty to render any accounts after six years! Not surprising, he also has the unenviable record for throwing away the multimillion-dollar Heathrow and JFK slots of any private Nigerian airline ever.

= The court has interpreted and applied the law and determined the liability of the receiver manager under the law. The taxpayers must not end up picking up a bill of close N5 trillion for AMCON’s colossal failure while officers walk away unhurt after sinking the ship they were appointed to rescue.

The words ‘’I am from the government, and I am here to help’’ must no longer terrify those who they are appointed to serve but must be the reasons why officers under the law must be made to account for their stewardship.

CSSKD Old Students Honour Akingbade

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

The old students of Command Secondary School, Kaduna (CSSKD) 1989 set, recently honoured the Chief Executive Officer of Noktel Hotels, Ilorin, Kwara State, Dr. Edward Adewale Akingbade.

Akingbade, who is also the Managing Director of Top Green Nigeria Limited (Oil and Gas) and Tangent Construction Company Limited was the first to be honoured with CSSKD 89 Achievement Rollcall Award of Excellence for his contributions to the socio-economic well-being of the society.

The event took place at the main hall of Noktel Hotels, Ilorin and was well attended by who is who in the society. It was an opportunity to encourage and show solidarity with Akingbade who has continued to give financial and humanitarian support to the less privileged in the society both at home and abroad.

Akingbade who hails from Ilesa in Osun state has remained one of the major supporters of the economic emancipation of the people through what God has bestowed on him.

The investiture of Akingbade was performed by the President of the Association, Mr. Adekunle Ismaila Mohammed. The CSSKD)1989 set’s President extolled Akingbade’s virtues as an exceptional leader who has consistently demonstrated ability for setting goals, achieving them and surpassing expectations.

He noted that the Members Achievement Rollcall Award of Excellence was established as an affirmative commitment towards the recognition and support for members’ contributions towards humanitarian services and professional excellence in their various walks of life.

According to him, “Command Secondary School Kaduna Class of 1989 graduates includes many people who are top-shots of today’s banking and insurance, hospitality and

tourism, energy and telecoms, capital markets, agriculture, engineering, infrastructure, law enforcement and defense, shipping and maritime, public service and other major sectors within and outside Nigeria.

“It is our responsibility as an Alumni Foundation to organise and commend our members’ accomplishments, as well as ensure that experiences are shared in a way that inspire other people to greatness”.

The chairman, Social Event and Planning Committee of the award, Mr. Kolawole Dada expressed delight over Akingbade’s recognition “as it reflects commitment to members’ success, advancement and welfare.”

He explained that ethical integrity content, as well as significant, honest and measurable achievements are parts of the parameters upon which Akingbade has been assessed for the award.

Dada said “It is a joyful thing to celebrate Akingbade in his lifetime rather than pay glowing tributes on sickbed or posthumously as typical of several other Alumni Associations”.

Also, in his remark, the Chairman of the occasion, former Chief Medical Director of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Professor Sullayman Kwranga said, Akingbade has been his friend for over 20 years.

He called attention to his humility, willingness to provide assistance for people who are in need, his dedication to duty, passion for excellence and faith among other attributes. He also reassured that the recognition will serve as further encouragement.

The honouree, Akingbade thanked the Alumni Foundation for the honour and thoughtfulness. He explained that his activities had been driven by desire to make life easier and more rewarding for every Nigerian within his scope of influence.

He said, “ My work ethics and winning attitude have been helpful, and many people have helped towards his personal and professional life success.

“Noktel Resorts has concluded plans to officially become a Sustainability Reporting Organisation because of commitment to environmental, social and governance issues impacting the Group’s operations. Noktel generates indirect employment for some 2,000 people annually.”

Akingbade is a member of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. He also Chairman, Saratoga Holdings Limited. His business footprints include medicare, fast food retail franchise, oil and gas, hospitality, manufacturing, telecoms, engineering and construction.

Noktel Resorts Hotels Limited are owners and operators of select bouquet hotels, resorts, apartments and hospitality centers across Abuja and Ilorin.

Justicus Adegbenro writes from London

Kuru

Akingbade (left) receiving his award from Kwranga

POLITY

FIRS’s Excel Sheet for VAT Returns is Counter Productive

Gbenga Adeoye

Let me start with three proverbs, if they don’t want you in a city, do not raise song. If you do, nobody will join you to sing it. Tax is not something people enjoy to pay especially when they cannot see corresponding benefits. Hence, making it difficult is like someone not wanted in a city raising songs - Yoruba Proverb.

The second proverb is that a man they want to roast as suya that rub palm oil on his body and then stand beside fire thereby making the work of those who want to roast him easy. When people are looking for how to avoid tax, do not compound the problem by making payment difficult for them.

The last proverb is that palm oil and white clothes are not friends. Tax payers and difficult payment systems are not compatible.

Any student of Taxation knows that one major principle of tax administration is that it must be easy to pay. This is hinged on the Canon of Convenience among others by Adam Smith. Recently, acceptance certificate for asset worth N500, 000 was discussed extensively and 99% of Nigerians are of the opinion that such policy is outdated because even just one laptop and table is in excess of N500,000 and asking people to go get any acceptance certificate is more or else an attempt to impose unnecessary burden on SME’s... Some FIRS Team still ask for this during audit when we all know it is unreasonable. There are other ways to verify asset cost.

Let me return to the main subject of the day, March 2023 VAT filing which was meant to be filed on or before April 21 suddenly requires that you upload an excel sheet showing the following: name of your customers/ client, Tax Identification Numbers, Amount of Sales, Code representing nature of transaction which is either of the following, O for Vatable, one for Zero Rated, two for exempted, Type of Services or product and description of product or service.

As a matter of fact, a video was posted on Tax Pro Max asking that each sheet can take 1000-line items.How do you begin to fill an excel sheet containing all the above fields with 1000? You will

not actually be able to file if you sell items in pieces such as soft drinks.

FIRS claimed that once you indicate the TIN of a tax payer; the respective VAT against such tax payer will go to the system as input VAT as a second leg. Hence, there is no room for you to post local purchases that will enable you to claim or enjoy input VAT.

The question is: does FIRS think all tax payers will file at the same time.? If the person you bought from is yet to file, it means you will have no input VAT. That means you will have to pay double VAT.

Most company’s CEOs could not sleep from 19th to 21st of April 2023 all over Nigeria because many couldn’t file the VAT. Some eventually chose to give up. Another issue about VAT is that FIRS is yet to understand the reality in business and a good example is as follows.

You buy goods for N100,000. You sell with 2% profit. Meaning you sell for N102,000. In any case, because of competition, you cannot sell above N102, 000 and no buyer will listen to your explanation that you actually charged VAT on it and as such price had to be higher than N102, 000.

Meanwhile, most times where you bought from, there is nothing like input VAT in your favour and as such, FIRS is looking at your sales of N102, 000 and asking you to come and pay VAT of N7,650. Quite Logical? Isn’t it? But very unreasonable and against ease of doing business and a show of lack of understanding of industrial practice in such sector.

Once you pay N7,650 as expected, your profit of N2,000 is gone. Then FIRS takes another N5,650 from your trading Capital. Do you think any businessman is stupid to pay such?

Assuming you are trading with N100,000 and you pay the N7,650, which is rare, but let us assume you actually pay, if the business maintained the same level of transactions over a period of 18 months, the entire capital would have been wiped off in the name of VAT without considering overheads. For so many tax payers, nothing was shown as input VAT and yet no room for posting cost which the system uses to calculate input VAT.

Many posted their cost to Imported Cost so that their actual VAT can be seen. The Excel sheet introduction is not going to work when

it comes to input VAT claim because the entity you bought from may not have filed as at the time you are filing and as such, there should be a space for the posting of local purchases.

Over the counter transactions also does not give room for you to start asking for Tax Identification Numbers of customers. Yes, it is also there that you can put zero if you don’t know the TIN, but the question is why the stress?

Suggestions to FIRS: Allow normal VAT filing to continue as it used to be. You can ask for sche dule of sales as mere additional documents with or without TIN and where customer’s name is unknown, allow tax payers to insert “various” to combine many customers... The truth is that such favours FIRS in that no one will claim such VAT as input anyway.

Leave the role of requesting for additional information with various tax offices. They know what to do to validate claims of sales and purchases. Use VAT monitoring and Audit exercise to cross-check records of filings and stop stressing tax payers with unreasonable additional burdens.

Conclusion: The newly introduced system is counterproductive and that account for why FIRS had to extend filing till April 30 for March VAT. If step is taken to verify collection for the month of March, it will be below expectation. FIRS and indeed all agencies dealing with the public should engage stakeholders and Professionals before introducing any policy.

Please note that many companies have not recovered from the damage done by CBN Naira redesign policy on the Economy and so, introducing this new filing method will amount to adding salt to injury. Such pain is not good at the time of tax payments as it negates Canon of Taxation and contrary to ease of doing business because productive time is wasted on irrelevant and counter-prod uctive exercise.

All these circulars going around about seminars on the new policy should be converted to apologies to tax payers as they constitute medicine after death where cart have been put before the horse.

Dr. Adeoye is a Lawyer and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. He is an Arbitrator of the United Kingdom and Nigeria. He is an advocate of Tax Justice and Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria. He can be reached via dga@ gbengaadeoye.com

L-R: Managing Director, Greenwich Merchant Bank (GMB), Bayo Rotimi; receiving the Certificate of Quotation from Managing Director,

L-R: The representative of the Director of Livestock and Poultry, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR), Kano, Mallam Kabiru Abdullahi; the Regional Manager, ofi Dairy in Nigeria, Mr. Manish Khede; the Manager, Development Finance Office, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Kano branch, Mallam Aminu Garba; the Chairman of Kano Dairy Cooperative, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi; and a veterinarian, Dr. Celestine Ayok, during the 2nd Phase of the Cattle Vaccination Exercise fully sponsored by Outspan and organised in partnership with Kano Dairy Cooperative, in Dawakin LGA, Kano….. recently

L – R: Trade Marketing Manager, Commercial Team, PZ Wilmar, Lucky Omenihu; ₦1,000,000 winner in the Devon King’s Mega Millionaire Promo, Chinenye Iwuoha; Iwuoha Tochukwu Emmanuel; Head of Sales, Commercial Team, PZ Wilmar, Afrose Mohit Kumar; and Assistant Brand Manager, Devon King’s, Voke Emeje during the Devon King’s Mega Millionaire Promo live draws in Lagos… recently

FMDQ Clear Limited. Ayodele Onawunmi; at maiden NGN10 billion series I & II commercial paper issuance under its N100 billion programme presented quotation ceremony. The issuance recorded a 22% oversubscription with orders of N12.2 billion, held in Lagos…recently

L-R: President, Republic of Botswana; H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi; and Founder RED | For Africa and Chairman AW Network Adebola Williams during the Forbes Summit Gala dinner hosted by the President, held in Gaborone, Botswana …. recently

‘Accusing Finger’ Wrong

CORRECTIONS in this column are mostly in brackets immediately after the wrong word or expression—excluding, of course, the attributions, emphases and elucidations like the noun reference in this paragraph. An example with the first headline extract from will suffice: “NNPC aircraft crash lands (crash-lands) in Warri” But, crash landing (noun) as opposed to the verb form. That is the beauty of the language.

THE GUARDIAN flooded its April 5 edition with misapprehensions: “… has been reportedly (why should a reputable newspaper use this meaning- less cliché that does not add any value?) kidnapped by unknown gunmen.” What is this craze about ‘unknown gunmen’? How will anyone know them? It would have been excusable if they were clad in any official (authorised) uniforms (camouflage) of the armed forces or other paramilitary agencies. Otherwise, it smacks of warped thinking!

“Court remands Lamido’s son in prison” The court can either ‘remand in custody’ (which means to send someone to prison until trial) or ‘remand on bail’ (which implies allowing a suspect to go free until the trial after leaving a sum of money with the court). Thanks to A. S. Hornby for this insight.

“...was picked by a (a panel?) ‘after careful (would it have been careless?) consideration of all the feats she had been able to achieve in the (sic) 18 months while steering the aviation industry.’ ” Crash the thought! The

delectable minister was steering the aviation ministry—not the industry!

Still on THE GUARDIAN: “The offence of the politician that stole $1 and the one that stole $1 million will carry same (the same) weight.”

“A Bill for an Act to provide for a death sentence against (on) persons found guilty of corruption related (corruption- related) offences in the country is….”

“He also wants the National Assembly has to tolerant other views on the amendment of the constitution.” (Politics Page) What does this mean?

“Attempt (Attempts/An attempt) to explain that I personally went to Bamgbose in (on) Lagos Island, did the data capture and other processes to obtain the document fell on the ears (on the deaf ears) of an increasingly angered officer.”

Now finally from The Guardian under review: “In the event that they are not ready to debate and put forth arguments one way or the other….” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: one way or another.... An aside: I do not understand the function of the comma after ‘conscience’ in The Guardian pay-off line. Can someone elucidate on this in my interest?

“The use of hard power of military might rarely reined in terrorists activities anywhere” Either: terrorist activities or terrorists’ activities

“He was offering them stone when they demanded for bread” This is no news: delete ‘for’!

“The crises which has (have) rocked the NLC since….” Singular: crisis; plural: crises. Computers point out some of

these errors!

“We heartily congratulate you, our esteemed chairman…quintessential banker and corporate guru per (par) excellence.”

Still on THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER: “The Minister for Information took the lectern….” A voyage of discovery: Minister of…and Commissioner for….

“Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua also did.” Cover: The late President….

“Some of the despotic regimes thrown up in (on) the continent did worse things than was experienced under colonialism.”

“They will only end up frustrating the good intentions of the President, thereby continually subjecting Nigerians into (to) servitude.”

“Expectedly, the man at the centre of controversy had spared no effort to deny the allegations, pointing accusing fingers at the press and his detractors.” No moronic writing: yank away ‘accusing’ and point the finger (not fingers) in the interest of literacy.

“The innocent undergraduate is fast becoming rare specie (a rare species) threatened with extinction.”

“The security men allowed him to go out of the compound knowing fully (full) well that the whole area was flooded.” Alternatively: knowing fully.

“Speaking at the same occasion, President Buhari warned the military against coup.” Prepositional precision agreement: on (not at) the occasion. Away with these bats in the belfry. This particular gaffe confirms that most journalists don’t read. If they did, these juvenile goofs would not be recurring.

Felicitations: My March-April People (1)

It is always heartwarming, the revolving door of another day arriving to commemorate one’s birth - well, for many people, I should underline. March and April, like other months, threw up a generous dose of special talents and outstanding creatives who added one more year, and to whom we dedicate the following words and column. May their tribe continue to flourish abundantly, and nourish their environment generously.

EBENEZER OBEY-FABIYI (81 on 3 April)

It took his parents a few years to notice traces of musical robustness in him after his birth 80 years ago (today). Ebenezer Olasupo Fabiyi however, had to wait 16 years to start what has turned out to be a most illustrious career.

He toiled with the “rave-of-the-moment” Lagos bands of Ade Ade, Akibo Salvage and Fatai Rolling Dollars between 1958 and 1963.

Right after leaving Rolling Dollars and founding his own International Brothers Band, Obey released a delightful debut, Ewa Wo Ohun Oju Ri.

From a repertoire in excess of 200 original compositions, Nigerians of the 20th and 21st centuries have been titillated by the sonorous philosophy and lingering didacticism of this Idogo, Ogun State born maestro. A classic checklist: Board Members, Ketekete, Happy Birthday To You, Awọn Ika Eniyan, Laiṣe Lairo, Iwọ eni To Nsebi, Abanij Eniyan, Eniyan Lásán, Orí Mí Koni Burú, Ọta Mi Dehin Lehìn Mi, Eda To Mose Okunkun, Olomi Gbọ Temi, Eni Ri Nkan He, Gbebe Mi Oluwa, Ajo Ko Dabi Ile, Edumare Sọrọ Mi Dayọ, Iba F’Oluwa, Aimasiko Lon’ Damu eda, e Sa Ma Miliki, Baba Lo Ran Mi Wa, and so on. Today, with massive admiration for an uncommon living legend, in the art and craft of knitting words, faith and fun in a musical contraption that keeps people of all tongues, tribes, creeds and strata on their feet, gyrating to the power and pungency

of the invisible force of Juju music… we wish the ageless creative Commander, and iconic lamp holder of edifying minstrelsy… a benevolent and peaceful 81st year on this side of the universe.

KOLA OYEWO, PhD (27 March, 1946)

His mantra is consistent: he teaches what he loves, and he practises what he teaches - the symmetry is crystal clear in the dexterity of his performances. Flushed with dreams and hope, a teenager joined the Osogbo-based Oyin Adejobi theatre group in 1964, and later featured as young Adejare in Adejobi’s autobio-drama, Orogun Adedigba.

He subsequently joined the University of Ife theatre group, directed by Ola Rotimi, the Ori-Olokun Players - in 1973. Fifty six years after he set foot on stage, Kolawole Oyewo has created a legacy, especially on stage, academia and Yoruba theatre, that time and age cannot diminish.

In 1995, at the age of 49, he graduated with first degree in Dramatic Arts from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ìfé, shoulder to shoulder in the same class with his son, Adeyemi. They were in the same class. That was the same year Koseegbe (which won the most awards at the inaugural THEMA) was released. With earlier certificates in drama and oral literature, Oyewo joined the teaching staff of OAU in 1996 - and worked for 15 years, when he left as a senior lecturer in 2011. During that period, he worked hard to obtain a Masters and a doctorate (PhD) in drama, the joy of his professional life. He was also at the Redeemers’ University for five years, where he left as the Head of Drama Department.

However, academia never stopped him from attending locations, and adding his talents at the practical furnace of dramaturgy. His older credits include: Òrun Moru (1980), Chief Adeleke in Ose Sango (1991), Sàngó: The Legendary African King (1998), Oba Lapite in Saworoide (Brass Bells - 1999), Arewà, Ògédé Didùn (both 2003); Erin

Lakatabu (2004), Efunsetan Aniwura, Ladepo Omo Adanwo, Nkan Asiri, Omo Bishop, Sawo-Sogbèrì (all 2005); Atini O’go, Ija Okan, Iyawo Aremo, Odun Nbaku (all 2006); Òyelàgbàáwò, Aya Imule, Igi Owo, Itu, Kilebi Olorun?, Kootu Olorun, Oya Oriri (all 2007); Asoko Peye, Femi Oko Mummy, Nkan Adun, and Oromodie (all 2008). And so forth….

PETE EDOCHIE, MON (07 March, 1947)

The undisputed king of “Kingly” characters, the ebullient actor with the aristocratic carriage is a darling of any serious television, video, film or stage director.

He is immensely gifted, and a towering source of inspiration for generations of practitioners. Born in the former Eastern Nigerian city of Enugu on 7 March, 1947, Pete blasted into national consciousness with his late 1980s performance as Okonkwo, the hugely popular lead character in Chinua Achebe’s classic, Things Fall Apart (as adapted and produced by Adelia Onyedibia for NTA Network service in 1986/1987). A seasoned broadcaster and senior administrator - Pete left it all to pursue his acting dream... and the father of six has surely emblazoned his name and craft on the fabric of Nigerian Entertainment - forever.

His credits are humongous, beyond 500! But here’s a shortlist: Things Fall Apart (1987); Rituals (1997), Igodo, Narrow Escape, Living in Darkness (all 1999); Greedy Genius, Oduduwa (both 2000), Battle Line (2002), Billionaire Club, Love & Politics, Miserable Wealth, Rejected Son, Tears in the Sun, Tunnel of Love (all 2003); Dogs Meeting, Dons in Abuja, The Heart of Man, King of the Jungle, Negative Influence, The Staff of Odo (all 2004); Azima, Living in Tears, Ola... the Morning Sun, Price of Ignorance, Sacred Tradition, The Tyrant (all 2005); Lacrima, Living with Death, Passage of Kings, Zoza (all 2006); Greatest Harvest, Secret Pain (both 2007); Heavy Battle, Test Your Heart (both 2008), Idemili (2013/2014), Evil Men In Town (with Olu Jacobs), Lionheart (2018),

“Government’s efforts to clean up the waste is (why this dirt: ‘efforts… is?) not helped by the attitude of Lagos residents who throw their wastes on just about“…inanywhere.” a publication “Taking the Bull by the Horn…” Investing in the English language: take the bull by the horns (not horn).

“Part of his quality sense (not quantity) concerns the debate on how best to eat a dish, with cutleries or with the ten fingers.” As I mentioned in my introductory note last week, ‘cutlery’ is non-count.

“I am a product of a system which allowed a poor farmer-cum-fisherman’s son to go through the very best schools.…” ‘Best’ has reached the end-point of intensification and cannot be inflected (by adding ‘very’). It is an absolute word—a superlative entry.

“Robbery: Policeman killed by vigilante group” This way: vigilance group.

“The gallantry effort exhibited by the driver of….” Get it right: either gallantry or gallant effort.

“…we must struggle against the abuse of power and its dangerous fall-outs.” The last word is in the extract is uncountable and goes without hyphenation.

“Most ideal posture no doubt that should infact (in fact) be adopted by every other state governors.” The Boko Haram romance: either every other state governor or all other state governors.

FEEDBACK RETURNS NEXT WEEK MASSIVELY. MORE RESPONSES ARE WELCOME.

and Unroyal (2020).

WASIU AYINDE (3 March 1957)

This 66 year old man has come a long way - from a roadie in Barrister’s band to the self-proclaimed King of Fuji; to a now undisputed kingpin in the sprawling forest of the music that has spiralled across the globe as authentic Nigerian creation - Wasiu Gbolahan Ayinde Anifowoshe (alias King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, aka KWAM 1, aka K1 De Ultimate, etc) has danced into the hall of fame.

The first knock came in 1984 with Talazo Fuji. The consistently innovative singer has transformed the rustic elements of Fuji, infusing remarkable percussion and melodies of more crossover music, even when we thought it was just a fad.

Now, the toddler of Talazo has transmogrified into the creator and proponent of techno-Fuji and a deliberately elitist fusion of Juju and Fuji music with the pace and carefreeness of hip-hop. Incidentally, he is a perennial hit with his self-evolving and fast-growing fans and habitués. He has now acquired the incredible taste that belches alluring tunes, relevant lyrics and a compelling syncopation of otherwise dissimilar melodies seemingly on the fly… the musical potpourri is often enriching as he grows older and more adept at his craft.

Certainly, no one is in doubt that barely 10 years after Talazo, Wasiu’s grip on the Fuji music sector is undisputed and impregnable. If there must indeed be a coronation, and I were the king-maker, Wasiu Ayinde (with or without the Marshall) will be crowned: the King of Modern Fuji. Fait accompli!

(To Continue)

Victor Osimhen

An Indelible Mark in Naples

Argentinean icon, Diego Amando Maradona may have infected Napoli fans with his style, leadership quality and of course, his football ingenuity. On Thursday however, Super Eagles striker,Vincent Osimhen made an indelible mark in the city of Naples when his precious goal against Udinese took his Serie A total number of goals to 22, and propelled Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years

Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen was overwhelmed with joy after scoring the goal that sealed Napoli’s first Scudetto title in 33 years.

The striker scored the equalising goal at Udinese where the Blues played a 1-1 draw and secured the 2023-2023 Italian Serie A title.

“I am overwhelmed right now,” Osimhen told DAZN

“It’s an amazing feeling. We’ve waited so many years for this moment and to be able to deliver the Scudetto to the Neapolitans is something we will not forget and it will con tinue to live in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

“I am happy for the squad, for all Neapolitans, now we can celebrate in our stadium and we’re going to enjoy it for life.”

The Nigerian striker revealed that he had to change his face mask which got broken while celebrating.

“My mask was broken! I had to change it.”

Osimhen revealed that he and his team had been on the verge of securing the title on Sunday, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Salernitana, forcing them to postpone it until the match against Udinese.

Despite the delay, Osimhen remained confident in his team.

“I don’t know the words to use to quantify this feeling. It’s amazing. We waited 33 years, the support we got from our fans since the start of the season has been overwhelming. Nobody deserved the Scudetto more than the Neapolitans and more than Napoli.

“We were the underdogs at the start of the season, not many believed in us, so many people wrote us off. Just like I used to say, teams stick together, it’s

an amazing coach, backroom staff, the physiotherapists, the doctors that made sure we were in great condition. We believe from the start of the season that we have this great squad that can deliver the Scudetto and now we achieved this dream and will keep on believing in ourselves and enjoy this moment.”

When did the Nigeria international and his Napoli teammates realise that the title was within their grasp?

“I think when it started to become reality was when we won in Rome. Big respect to Roma, they have a great squad, but the way we fought in that game to the end, that is when we realised we have the quality to win the Scudetto. Since we went to number one in the standings, we have not gone down, that shows a great mentality. Now we have to enjoy it, it is long overdue and we have to enjoy every moment of it.”

Osimhen still doesn’t speak Italian, but he has learned the lyrics to the chant often heard in recent weeks: ‘And off they go, and the leaders off they go.’

“I really don’t know how to sing, but when my teammates start up, I join in.

I am trying to learn a lot of Neapolitan songs. I will go back home in front of our fans and enjoy this moment.”

Despite his success, Osimhen remains humble and committed to improving his game, he also praised his coach, and fans for their roles too.

“I will forever be grateful to this league and this competition because they exposed me more to the world. I am always a work in progress striker, as I have a lot to improve. It has been amazing in terms of my hold-up play, my goal-scoring prowess and a big kudos to Spalletti and his backroom staff, they have really

“The confidence the team also gave me feeling that I am a leader has really helped me improve. Also a big kudos to the Napoli fans. When I arrived, I went through some difficult times, but they gave me the energy and really supported me, making me the striker that I am today.”

It is a dream come true for Osimhen winning his first major honour since moving to Europe seven years ago. He thus tied legendary George Weah’s alltime highest Serie A goals by an African player.

Napoli was confirmed as Serie A champions after their draw against Udinese on Thursday evening. Luciano Spalletti’s side fought back from 1-0 down after Sandi Lovric scored the opening goal, with Osimhen adding his 22nd league goal of the season to secure the point Napoli needed to win their first Scudetto since 1990, when Diego Maradona was their captain.

Napoli have been made to wait for the title party, as they were beaten 1-0 by Lecce last weekend, when they could have confirmed themselves as champions. Now, they have finally managed to get over the line, and with five games to spare.

Meanwhile, Osimhen had played down rumours that he might leave Naples after scoring the club’s historic Scudetto-winning goal against Udinese on Thursday evening, after attracting increasingly strong interest from Manchester United. The Nigerian forward has been talismanic for Luciano Spalletti’s side and made history on the night when he became the highest-scoring African player to feature in Serie A in a single season, breaking Samuel Eto’o’s record of 21 goals with his 52nd-minute strike that leveled the two sides.

His quality leading the line for the

title-winners has caught the eye of a number of big beasts alongside United, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris SaintGermain, and Bayern Munich all said to be watching the player’s next move closely.

But a move away from the Campania side was the furthest thing from his mind as he drunk in the celebratory atmosphere.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Osimhen said he ‘couldn’t wait’ to get back to Naples and enjoy the Scudetto with the fans.

I’m thrilled with this victory,’ Osimhen said. ‘I’m happy for me, for the team and for the fans.

‘I can’t wait to come back in Naples to embrace our fans, even though tonight I already felt the warmth of the people. I’m happy for all the Neapolitans.

‘I scored the Scudetto goal, it’s true, but anyone else could have scored it.

‘I feel like a leader and I never give up. Future? Now I want to enjoy this historic moment, this is not the time to think about my future.’

The striker also reserved praise for his manager, who has had a checkered time at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona since his arrival in 2021.

At the end of last season, Spalletti’s Fiat Panda was stolen and allegedly held hostage by fans who unfurled a banner that said the car would only be returned if he quit.

But after overseeing a hithertounimaginable season, and becoming the oldest manager to win a Scudetto, all is likely forgiven.

‘Spalletti is a great coach, he asks us a lot but he is like a father to all of us,’ Osimhen continued.

‘He always manages to motivate us and he deserves this title.’

improved me.

Victor Osimhen mobbed by fans after his goal against Udinese ensured Napoli win first Scudetto in 33 years

GROUP B

MATCH 15 FIXTURES

Insurance Unbeaten Run Faces Shooting Stars’ Test

Bendel Insurance of Benin have not only surprised followers of this season’s abridged Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, but themselves, posting an unblemished record in the league so far as the team is yet to taste defeat after 16 games and this is what today’s guestShooting Stars, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, would be hoping to halt as they battle the Group A leaders tomorrow.

Shooting stars who were lambasted by Coach Gbenga Odubote for their 1-0 loss to relegation battlers, Nasarawa United will only be playing to place respectably on the log as their hope for a Super-four finish has dwindled as they are currently placed sixth in the table with 21 points after 16 matches.

Bendel Insurance stretched their unbeaten run to 16 matches after they drew 0-0 with Gombe United in the MatchDay16 encounter at the Pantami Stadium Gombe, in which the Benin side was accused of being aided by the referee.

The Technical Adviser of Gombe United Football Club, Aliyu Zubairu, on Sunday rued their failure to end Bendel Insurance’s unbeaten run saying that their plan was frustrated by poor officiating by the centre referee, Babayanje Saed, Zubairu told sports journalists shortly after the match that the attitude of the referee during the game was questionable and should be properly investigated by the league organisers.

”The attitude of the officiating referee in stopping the game intermittently without good reasons frustrated the flow of ball which affected my players’ performance on the pitch.

“The action of the referee created tension during the game and this affected the morale of my team and this made the visiting team to escape defeat.

“The referee did not allow the game to flow, the officiating in general. They were stopping the match with no reason and that was done for more than six times.

“They were inviting unnecessary pressure, and I think the organisers should ask him why he did what he did,” he said.

Zubairu said after doing his part of coaching his players on how to play, it was regrettable that the referee did not allow the game to go freely.

“We did not play up to 70 minutes all through the game. Once the game was progressing, he (the referee) was always coming up with an antic to stop the game for a minute or two.

“The organisers should look into this. When the league started, the referees were doing well but, as for this referee, I don’t know what to say,” he said.

Zubairu said if the referee had officiated fairly and provided a level playing ground during the game “there would have been no escape route for

Top Scorers

our opponents.

“If this is how they (Bendel Insurance) are getting the officiating in order to remain unbeaten, they will remain unbeatable.

“NPFL this season has been very good but I am sorry to say that if this is how Bendel Insurance have remained unbeaten, then it is a flaw.”

On his part, Bendel Insurance’s head coach, Monday Odigie, told NAN he was disappointed with the host team’s attitude in spite of getting warm welcome when they visited Benin.

Odigie said the hosts failed to reciprocate the kind gesture they got at Bendel Insurance’s home ground during the first round.

“But coming here, they want to win at all cost. I don’t know what to say.

It (the attitude of the hosts) is not expected of a country that wants its Premiership to be sold out.

“When they (Gombe United) came to Benin, we had good football, and they played a draw. They were cheered, and we hugged ourselves before leaving the pitch. But see what the coach is now doing.

“Looking at this, does he want to win it by all means?” he asked.

With the crucial away draw, Insurance have maintained their four point lead at the top of the table with 32 points while Enyimba who recorded a vital 1-0 away win against El-Kanemi Warriors are in

second place with 28 points.

Meanwhile, Insurance midfielder, Divine Nwachukwu says the chance of creating history with the club is a driving force for the players, while insisting that the team’s priority remains achieving the Super 6 .

“Remaining unbeaten feels so special, knowing that we are newly promoted from the NNL and now topping the table in the NPFL. It’s like a dream come true and I want to be part of that history,” Nwachukwu said.

“Its not been easy playing in the league, but we have progressed as a team and at this point, we believe anything is possible.

“The main target is the Super 6, and when we have that in our hands, we can begin to talk of even winning the league.”

Bendel Insurance have two games until the end of the season, a home game against Shooting Stars and an away fixture against Nasarawa United.

At 39, Aiyenugba Still Bringing His Experience to Bear at Kwara Utd

One of the reasons the Brazilian league is still a delight to watch in spite of the huge number of Brazilian players that are exported to Europe every season is that they were always returning to their roots to end their career and that is one example former Nigeria International, Dele Aiyenugba has set by returning to Kwara United and at age 39, retirement is not on the agenda.

Goalkeepers get better with age and examples are numerous around the world of those that stood between the sticks till they are 40 and even

beyond.

England’s Peter Shilton, Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon, Essam El Hadary of Egypt, Dino Zoff of Italy, Peter Denmark’s Schmeichel, René Higuita of Colombia, and Brazil’s Nélson de Jesus da Silva (Dida) are just some of the world’s renowned goalkeepers that played till their 40’s.

One hopes Aiyenugba quits on high even as he is yet to set a retirement date for himself. He recently told newsmen in Ilorin, “Returning to where I started from is a dream I had for long. Kwara is home and coming

home to play again and retire here will be a dream come true for me.

“It is another way of saying thank you to the fans, management, stakeholders, government and people of Kwara. For me, I’m honoured to be here and I hope to continue doing my best for this great team even after I quit the game.”

At 39, the Kwara United captain’s reflexes are still very sharp and his agility is not in doubt. He has brought his experience to bear on the team.

The former Haifa Tel Aviv safe hands have been around since returning from

Israel. His return to where he started shows his commitment to giving back to his society.

Aiyenugba whose recent superlative performance against Bendel Insurance secured his side a point is determined to lead Kwara United towards achieving great feat as he faces the exit door of his illustrious career.

Aiyenugba joins likes of Ahmed Musa, Late Rashidi Yekini, Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, Etim Esin, Sani Keita, who at different times once featured in domestic league after they returned from Europe.

Akwa United and Bendel Insurance in action on the opening day of the NPFL

Premier League Table

Man City Keep Title Defence Dream Alive with Leeds’ Test

Manchester City’s dream of becoming only the second team in Premier League history to win the Premier League title after neighbours-United, comes alive again today as the Citizens welcome relegation-threatened Leeds United to the Etihad this afternoon. Pep Guardiola’s side overtook Arsenal, who had hitherto enjoyed the top spot for 427 days after defeat to Fulham and have not hidden their quest of winning the treble this season after already booking a place in the final of the FA Cup and in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League. Except the unthinkable happens, with their present form the Citizens would most likely be crowned the English champions come May 28

Manchester City will attempt to increase their lead at the top of the Premier League table when they welcome Sam Allardyce’s Leeds United to the Etihad Stadium this afternoon.

The Premier League have confirmed that the 3pm contest will be televised, with the usual 12.30pm slot avoided to work around the Coronation of King Charles.

Those who questioned whether Man City were a better team without Erling Haaland must surely have had a change of heart by now, as the Norwegian striker continues to write his name in the history books courtesy of a truly remarkable debut season in front of goal.

At just 22 years of age, Haaland now holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Premier League season after netting his 35th of the campaign in City’s 3-0 win at home against West Ham United on Wednesday night, increasing his overall goal tally in all competitions to a mind-boggling 51 in just 44 games.

Nathan Ake and Phil Foden were also on the scoresheet against the Hammers – the latter netting the 1000th City goal since the arrival of Pep Guardiola, to help the Citizens extend their impressive winning league run to nine matches and return to the summit at the expense of title rivals Arsenal with a game in hand.

Fixtures continue to come thick and fast for treble-chasing Man City, who on average have just over three days to prepare for each of their next seven games this month, includ-

ing today’s meeting with Leeds and next Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg with Real Madrid in Spain.

Guardiola has previously played down suggestions that his players are tired and he is confident that they will continue their strong run of form, particularly against a Leeds outfit whom they have beaten by an aggregate score of 14-1 in their last three league meetings, including a 7-0 demolition on home soil last season.

After losing seven games out of 12 in just two-and-a-half months in charge, Javi Gracia’s brief stint as Leeds head coach has come to an end, along with the reign of sporting director Victor Orta, with the Spanish duo leaving the Whites in serious risk of suffering relegation from the Premier League.

A 4-1 loss at Bournemouth last weekend leaves Leeds sitting 17th in the table and precariously placed just above the bottom three on goal difference, and with just four games remaining, the West Yorkshire outfit have turned to an experienced head – one who rates himself “just as good” as Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta, to steer them away from danger.

Sam Allardyce is taking on the ninth Premier League club of his 29-year coaching career, stepping into management for the first time in two years since suffering a 3-1 defeat as West Bromwich Albion boss against none other than Leeds at Elland Road at the end of the 2020-21 season, with the 68-yearold condemned to his first-ever top-flight relegation in the process.

One of the first big tasks for Big Sam is to tighten up a leaky Leeds backline that have conceded more goals (67) than any other top-flight team so far this season, including 20 goals shipped in seven matches in April, a Premier League record in a single month.

Allardyce – who has won just six of his 34 meetings with Man City as a manager believes that his new side require at least six points to potentially avoid the drop and he has not ruled out the prospect of pulling off a seismic shock today against a Citizens side who lost 2-1 against Leeds at the Etihad in April 2021 and against Brentford by the same scoreline earlier this season.

Meanwhile, aiming to avoid sharing the same fate as bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal make the long and arduous journey to St James’ Park for a Premier League date with Newcastle United tomorrow.

Both teams enjoyed 3-1 victories in their most recent fixtures, as the Magpies came from behind to see off Southampton, while Mikel Arteta’s men convincingly put Chelsea to the sword.

With eight wins to show from their last nine Premier League fixtures, Eddie Howe’s goal-happy crop can assure themselves of at least a top-seven finish with all three points on Sunday, and the Champions League fantasy becomes closer to a reality with every passing week for the third-placed hosts, who hold a six-point lead over sixth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand.

While the Magpies can always be relied

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Espanyol v Barcelona 20:00

MONDAY

Real Betis v Vallecano 20:00

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upon to deliver the goods in the final third - scoring at least twice in all of their recent eight wins, their defensive acumen has deserted them at the wrong time, with just one clean sheet to boast from their last 15 matches in all competitions.

Nevertheless, Howe’s men enter Sunday’s blockbuster battle on the back of four straight wins at St James’ Park, and their only defeats on home soil since January 2022 have been a pair of losses to Liverpool; few Arsenal fans will need a reminder of how their visit to Tyneside panned out this time last year.

Three humbling draws and a 4-1 trouncing at the hands of Manchester City saw the ‘bottling’ accusations come to the fore, but Mikel Arteta’s men ignored the outside noise and strolled to a three-goal success over the Blues on Tuesday.

Arteta’s side also remain the bestperforming team on the road this season, despite failing to win any of their last three on rival territory, and it was men against boys when Newcastle strolled to a 2-0 win over the Gunners last May before Howe’s dogged defence held out for a 0-0 draw at the Emirates in January.

Manchester City’s goal machine, Erling Haarland may increase his Premier League goal tally against Leeds United today

It won’t be Easy for Napoli to Keep Osimhen, Says Peseiro

Super Eagles manager Jose

Peseiro reckons that Napoli have little chance of retaining the services of Victor Osimhen before the close of the summer transfer window with several top European clubs interested in the prolific striker.

The Nigeria international has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United and Chelsea both credited with an interest, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also contenders to sign the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Boot winner.

Although Osimhen is always appreciated by the Napoli fans, he further endeared himself to the Parthenopeans faithful by scoring the title-winning goal as Napoli were crowned Serie A champions on Thursday night after a 1-1 draw with Udinese.

Napoli are not keen to part company with their Nigerian talisman in the summer but their heads could be turned if they receive an astronomical offer from one of the rich clubs chasing the 24-year-old.

Peseiro had nothing but praise for Osimhen, saying he can walk into the starting lineup of any team in the world.

“Everyone wants to buy one like this, it won’t be easy for Na-

poli to keep him in the summer,” Peseiro told Tuttomercatoweb.com.

“If the Azzurri rightly ask for millions for his price tag, I am convinced that there will be several clubs willing to meet De Laurentiis’ high demands.

“This Osimhen would be a starter in any team in the world”.

Osimhen has approximately two years left on his contract with Napoli whom he joined from Lille in 2020.

Peseiro hailed Osimhen for his exceptional performances for Napoli this season and labeled him one of the best strikers in the world.

The Nigerian played a key role as Napoli ended their 33-year wait for the Serie A title after coming from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Udinese on Thursday night.

Osimhen, who led the line all season for Napoli, was the player that would get the goal that would win them the Scudetto as he slotted home from close range after the Udinese goalkeeper parried the ball into his path in the 52nd minute.

The draw was enough to seal Napoli’s triumph having established a 16-point lead over second-placed Lazio, with five games to spare.

Peseiro while speaking on the quality of Osimhen after

Napoli’s league triumph said to Tuttomercatoweb.com : “Victor Osimhen is one of the best strikers out there. Goal is in Victor’s blood even though he’s still very young.

“He knows how to score in every way, and he knows how to do everything else too.

“He presses continuously, he’s physical, and he plays for the team and himself. Osimhen and Napoli have done something incredible this year.”

The Portuguese football tactician when asked about Osimhen’s goalscoring feat also said:

“It’s certainly not easy to have this continuity in front of goal, usually a centre-forward finds these numbers later in his career.

“That’s why I tell you that already today Victor is undoubtedly part of the striker’s elite. He lives with the obsession of becoming the most strong”.

Osimhen is in contention to win the Capocannoniere, awarded to the highest goalscorer in the Italian top-flight each season.

The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner leads the top scorer charts after notching 22 goals, three more than his closest challenger, Lautaro Martinez who has bagged 19 goals for Inter Milan.

Messi Apologises over Saudi Trip without Permission

Paris Saint-Germain forward, Lionel Messi has apologised for his ‘unauthorised’ trip to Saudi Arabia that has led to him being suspended by the French club.

Messi admitted in an apology video on social media that he “thought he had the day off” after Sunday’s 3-1 home Ligue 1 defeat to Lorient and is now “waiting to hear” from the club over his future.

He said: “First of all, I want to apologise to my team-mates and the club. Honestly, I thought we were going to have a day off after the game like we did in previous weeks.

“I had this trip organised, which I had cancelled already. I could not cancel it again. I repeat, I want to say sorry for what I

U17 AFCON: Ugbade Charges Eaglets to be Decisive against South Africa

Nigeria’s head coach Nduka Ugbade wants his side firing from all cylinders when they take on South Africa in a cr ucial Group B fixture at the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Constantine tonight.

Nigeria need to avoid defeat against the South Africans to af firm their second place in the group, but Ugbade does not want his side taking chances and has affirmed they will be going for a win.

Looking back at their defeat at the hands of Morocco, Ugbade says they have worked to sharpen their forward line to ensure they convert the chances that

come their way.

“We have put the defeat against Morocco behind our backs and we are fully focused on getting a good result against South Africa. We didn’t deserve to lose against Morocco because we dominated the game but couldn’t convert our chances,” said the coach during Friday’s pre-match press conference. He adds; “We want to be more effective, more prolific infront of goal. It is a bit confusing because when we were in Nigeria preparing, we were scoring so many goals but when we came here we are not doing that. Sometimes with these young ones it is about

psychology and we have addressed that.”

Forward Charles Agada who came on as a substitute against Morocco says the players have sharpened their scoring boots over the last two days in training.

“We want to convert the chances that come up for us because against Morocco we didn’t do that well. As a team and as players we are ready for the task,” he added.

Ugbade meanwhile admits it will be a tactical battle of wits against the South Africans, but remains confident they can do just enough to get over the line.

Southampton Boss Confirms

Onuachu’s Availability against Forest

Ahead of the upcoming Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Southampton at the City Ground, Saints boss, Rubén Sellés confirmed that Paul Onuachu is in contention to be included in the traveling squad to Nottinghamshire.

Southampton had high hopes for the Nigeria international when they signed him from Racing Genk in the January transfer window but he’s not yet up and running since his move to England with zero goals in nine games.

fit. He came back to training a couple of days ago and as long as there are no issues in the next few days he will be available.”

Onuachu has not started a league game for Southampton since the 1-0 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road on February 25.

did. I am waiting to hear what the club want to do with me.”

Following his suspension, it was revealed on Wednesday that Messi will leave PSG at the end of the season, with the French champions not planning to offer the forward a new contract.

The Argentina international is understood to have asked PSG for permission to travel on a personal promotional trip to Saudi Arabia, which he did on Sunday night, having twice postponed a scheduled commercial trip due to team defeats.

However, Messi did not get that permission and was therefore suspended for two games and fined two weeks’ wages after a day of meetings between the club’s hierarchy.

Messi will miss the upcoming Ligue 1 matches against Troyes and Ajaccio, but could return for the match against Auxerre on May 21.

Messi, who returned to Paris on Tuesday, posted on his Instagram in partnership with VisitSaudi a picture of a row of palm trees with the caption: “Who thought Saudi has so much green? I love to explore its unexpected wonders whenever I can. #visitsaudi.”

Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a two-year deal after leaving Barcelona due to their financial issues.

The 35-year-old has played 71 times for the French side, scoring 31 goals, recording 34 assists and lifting the title in 2022.

Lille Coach Warns His Defenders on How Good Balogun Is

Speaking at a press conference before his side’s Ligue 1 meeting with Stade de Reims today, Lille manager, Paulo Fonseca admitted that he has warned his defenders about the player who will pose the biggest threat to his team, Folarin Balogun.

With 20 goal involvements in the Ligue 1, including 18 strikes, the Arsenal loanee is currently one of the top four strikers in the division, with only Paris Saint Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, Lille’s Jonathan

David and Lyons’s Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him in the scoring charts.

Although Balogun has not found the net in his last three matches, Fonseca has urged his players, the defenders in particular, to keep a close eye on the England U21 international of Nigerian descent.

The Hale End Academy graduate has missed just one game in the Ligue 1 this term, against Lille back in January due to a minor hamstring

issue.

When asked whether he has warned his defenders about Balogun, Fonseca was quoted as saying by 11 HDF : “Yes, we watched videos and worked on our defense.

“We know the movements of Balogun, who is a very good player. I think we are ready to play against a striker like him.” Balogun is on his joint longest goal drought since his arrival at Stade de Reims last summer and will be desperate to get back on the score sheet against Lille.

Onuachu was missing from Southampton’s matchday squad in back-to-back games against Bournemouth and Newcastle United, and it has come to light that the Super Eagles striker was omitted due to fitness issues.

The FC Ebedei product scored goals for fun during his time with Racing Genk in Belgium - 85 in 134 appearances.

Providing a fitness update on his squad, Sellés told Southampton’s official webpage : “Paul is

The 28-year-old joined Southampton on a three-anda-half-year deal for a transfer fee of 18 million euros and if bonuses are included, the fee could rise to 21 million euros.

Norwich Striker Left Out of Flying Eagles Squad to Argentina

Norwich City striker Kenny Coker has been left out of the Flying Eagles traveling squad to Argentina for the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

It means no player on the books of an English club will be representing Nigeria during the tournament in South America unlike the 2019 edition of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Poland, where Paul Aigbogun selected Manchester City’s Tom Dele-Bashiru, Bournemouth’s

Nnamdi Ofoborh and Brook House’s Chinonso Emeka in his final squad. Nigeria U20 boss Ladan Bosso has decided not to select Arsenal winger Joel Ideho due to a combination of fitness issues and his late arrival to the training camp in Abuja.

The 19-year-old Coker, who also trained with the Flying Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, has been dropped because he sits behind in Bosso’s pecking order of center forwards.

Bosso has selected five foreignbased professionals in his final 21-man squad for the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.

Tickets have already been booked and the team will fly out to Argentina via Turkish Airlines today.

Nigeria will play their first two group games against the Dominican Republic and Italy in Mendoza on May 21 and May 24 respectively, before facing Brazil in La Plata on May 27.

Nadal’s French Open Participation in Doubt, Withdraws from Rome Masters

Rafael Nadal faces a race to be fit in time to launch his bid for a record-extending 15th French Open title.

Nadal has withdrawn from next week’s Italian Open but says his condition has improved as he bids to be fit in time for the French Open. The 36-year-old Spaniard has not played since January because of a hip injury and says he needs more time to train.

Unless he plays one of the events in Geneva or Lyon starting May 21, the 14-time champion will go to Roland Garros without a match on clay this year.

“I’m very sorry to announce that I will not be able to be in Rome,” he said.

“You all know how much it hurts to miss another one of the tournaments that have marked my professional and personal career for all the love

and support of the Italian fans,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion continued in a statement on social media.

“Despite having noticed an improvement in recent days, there have been many months without having been able to train at a high level and the re-adaptation process has its times and I have no choice but to accept them and continue working.”

Folarin Balogun Golden Eaglets against Morocco

L-R: Executive Director Retail and Digital Business, Tunde Mabawonku; Executive Director, North, South-South, and South-East Directorate, Emeka Obiagwu; MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni; Deputy Managing Director, Wole Akinleye and Executive Director, Lagos Directorate, CITN Inducts New Members, Urges Professionalism Stanbic IBTC Raises Women’s Hope, Launches Blue Blossom Community

Oluwole Ajimisinmi all of Wema Bank at the official celebration of the bank’s Truthware Solutions Integrates Airtel, AXA Mansard Insurance Offerings

Update for Six-cylinder Models of Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

ercedes-AMG has upgraded the modelssix-cylinder of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupé. They can be recognised by the new front apron, which picks up on the previous design of the eight-cylinder models. The two outer decorative air intakes and the large central air intake under the radiator grille form a jet-wing profile. This

Memphasises the effect of breadth, while the radiator openings direct the air flows specifically to the functional elements such as coolers and brakes.

The electric sliding sunroof and the option of wireless charging for smartphones between the rear seats are now on board as standard.

The intelligent, digital infotainment system MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has also been given an update with a new look, redesigned AMG-specific displays and individually

How to Clean a Blurry Windshield

A blurry windshield can become a nightmare, especially during the rainy season. At Y&L Auto Glass we love to help you, which is why in this post we are sharing some tips to get rid of a blurry windshield.

Here are some tips to clean road grime, tree sap, salt and other windshield hazards from your windshield and/or car windows. Having a blurry windshield is very dangerous for you and your family, we your auto glass at least once a month, to ensure that they remain crystal clear for safe driving.

What do you need?

Degreaser in a spray bottle.

Water, try to get it distilled to avoid minerals leaving spots.

Automotive glass wax, like water repellent, Rain X

Paper, old newspapers work well.

White vinegar

configurable functions.

In conjunction with the optional Burmester® surround sound system or the Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system, Dolby Atmos also introduces a new sound experience.

The basis for the sporty driving experience is provided by the un- changed 270 kW (367 hp) or 320 kW (435 hp) 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with twin turbocharging and integrated starter alternator.

Kia Takes Double Win at Prestigious iF Design Award 2023

Kia has been awarded two at the iF Design Award 2023. The brand’s success in the prestigious iF Design ‘Company Branding’ and ‘Shop/ Showroom Store Identity’ customer engagement and its competitiveness in global design since the brand relaunch in 2021.

Kia’s ‘Movement that Inspires’ ethos and its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy sit at the heart of every strand of the brand’s global corporate identity and showroom identity strategies. Combined with models such as the they play a pivotal role in accelerating Kia on its rapid transition from a car manufacturer to a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

‘Movement that Inspires’ represents Kia’s determination to create spaces for customers to

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy takes inspiration from the contrasts found in nature and humanity, utilizing the character of one element to bring out the character of another.

Contemporary Corporate identity

The Kia logo symbolizes Kia’s assured new brand direction and conveys ‘Movement that Inspires’ through three design concepts: Symsuggesting new customer experiences through providing futuristic products and services is captured by the symmetry of the logo. Rhythm represents the brand’s promise to tirelessly progress to meet customers’ demands and aspirations and provide continuous inspiration. Finally, the bold rising nature of the logo illustrates the brand’s ambition to deliver new values that truly encapsulate the customer’s perspective.

Midnight Black and Polar White. These two primary color schemes at either end of the color spectrum convey the values of Sustainability, Eco-Friendliness, and Smart Mobility. Projecting

to new domains as a mobility service provider beyond physical mobility.

Strong Showroom Identity

Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy to combine elements that don’t traditionally go together. This ability to leverage creative

contrasts to achieve a unique outcome is perfectly expressed in the groundbreaking global design of Kia’s showrooms, which feature visually opposing exhibition and customer zones.

The futuristic exhibition zone features pronounced corners and achromatic colors, each model to enhance visibility and a sense of space. By contrast, the customer zone relies upon round edges, beautifully lit wooden walls, furniture to create a unique snug, and soothing ambiance where customers can relax and view the cars, almost as works of art in a gallery.

Garden hose

Soft scrub brush Steps

1. Begin by spraying all of your auto glass, the windshield glass, windows, headlights, and mirrors with the degreaser mixed with water. Scrub all of the glass and lights with the soft brush until it lathers and the dirt or debris is gone. Then wash your entire car and rinse it with clean water. Try to wash your car in the shadow to prevent your auto glasses from drying too fast. If your car is in the sun or it is a hot day, you may need to wash one window at a time to prevent them from drying too quickly and streaking.

a spray bottle about 1/3 to 1/2 full with remainder of the bottle. Shake the bottle for a couple of minutes to mix. Spray this water and vinegar mixture on the outside glass, crumpled newspapers, wiping from the top down in long, even strokes.

3. It’s time to spray small areas of the glass with the automotive wax. Using a in your auto glass, use a circular motion to Be careful to overlap old areas with new to towel to remove any excess glass wax.

outside glass, clean your interior glass using the same process, but don’t add the glass wax.

Remember: never use products containing ammonia on the inside of your car. It can release toxic fumes, and the over-spray can damage vinyl and upholstery. The Rain X water repellent will help keep your windshield, lights, and mirrors fog rain-free for better visibility. Try to use these tips once a month or at least before the rainy season.

(Source: Auto Glass Services)

(Source:AutoGlassServices)

AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

Kia EV9 all-electric flagship SUV

Shell, Volkswagen Open First Innovative Flexpole Charging Station

Shell Germany and the Volkswagen Group are jointly driving forward the expansion of the charging infrastructure for electric mobility:

tive 150 kW Elli Flexpole charging station was put in operation at a Shell service station in Göttingen02. The charging station of the Volkswagen brand Elli has a unique battery storage system that enables connection to a low-voltage grid. Thanks to this new technology, the charging stations can expansion can be accelerated. Following a successful test operation, Shell and Volkswagen also plan to install the Flexpole charging station at other locations in Germany and Europe.

“With VW’s Elli Flexpole charging stations, we can make an important contribution to the necessary expansion of the charging infrastructure. And in locations where it Shell is already one of the largest providers of charging infrastructure at home, at work, at on-street lamp posts and at our service stations. We want to do our part to enable customers to switch to an electric vehicles and thus reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector,” says Tobias Bahnsen, Head of Shell E-Mobility responsible for Germany, Austria

and Switzerland.

at Elli, adds: “The rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure is a prerequisite for the success of e-mobility. We contribute to this journey with our innovations such as the Elli Flexpole. It can be set up almost anywhere without major construction work, making it ideal for quickly setting up fast-charging options. We are pleased to have found a strong partner in Shell who, like us, wants to expand the charging network in Germany and across

AcceleratedEurope.”network

expansion thanks to innovative Elli Flexpole technology

The German government has set itself the goal of having at least one million charging points available to drivers of electric cars by 2030. According to the Federal Network Agency03, the number of charging points to a total of over 80,000. Of these, around 67,000 are standard charging points and around 13,000 are fast charging points. A faster expansion of the charging infrastructure is delayed due the need of special transformers with currently long delivery times. In addition, around 900 German distribution for the transformers.

Peugeot 9x8, J. Demsky’s Graphic Environment at Milan Design Week

The new graphic design of the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar was created in collaboration with the artist J. Demsky and has just been unveiled at the to the international press.

It is not only the premiere of the PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar but of a full graphic universe with the unique signature of J. Demsky.

During the Milan Design Week, PEUGEOT will be showcasing a reveal specially created for this event, which combines art and technology. Visitors can dive into an immersive universe, made up of an array of screens featuring both the unique style of J. Demsky’s graphic art and the new livery of the PEUGEOT 9X8.

Taming Novice Drivers

He was an only child. Academically, he was brilliant. He was also creative and innovative on all fronts; a singer, dancer and a composer. He was the dream child for the parents after twenty years of waiting. They stopped at nothing to give him the best; and regular trips abroad to countries and cities of his choice.

But on one faithful day, Mufu did the unthinkable.

He begged his ever pampering parents to indulge him on his 20th birthday and allow him enjoy the feel of driving. Oblivious of the tragedy ahead, the parents obliged him. In company of Chizo, his friend, classmate and risk-taker coach, Mufu who was yet

of over 120km/ph along a major busy and crash prone expressway. Barely 45 control crashing on to a parked trailer.Both Mufu and his friend died on the spot.

Autopsy conducted indicated that both alcohol and drugs. The news of his tragic death threw their home in mourning and today his traumatised mother for the past years is yet to come to terms with the loss of Mufu, fondly called Prince by his mother.

Mufu died a novice on the wheels and daily, parents and guardians commit the same error Mufu’s parents committed by indulging their novice children to get involved in driving without the appropriate training or in company of a licensed instructor. Some are so caring and loving

SAFE DRIVING

with

too that they allow the abnormal height of the child to deceive them by allowing them to do errands for them with a car.

The question is ,who is a NOVICE DRIVER?A novice driver in a clime like the UK is a person holding a driver’s licence for at least two (2) years or periods adding time learner’s permit holder, the holder of a provisional driver’s licence, a driver from overseas who has not held a driver’s licence for at least two years or the holder of an extraordinary driver’s licence.

2; type 1 refers to a person from the time

Once they are granted a provisional driver’s licence, they will continue to be novice driver type 1 for a period of at least one year or periods adding up to one year. Type 2 is a person who has held a driver’s licence for more than one (1) year but less than two (2) years.

GDL was introduced as a scheme which places restrictions on new drivers. These restrictions includes not being able to drive at night, or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car. Its introduction

has long been debated by the Government – most recently in 2020, following an inquiry by the Transport Committee. At the time, the Government said it was not progressing work on GDL.

After some hiccups, the Government is again re-considering the introduction of graduated driver licencing, two-and-a-half years after last distancing itself from the system. Recent report in The Sunday reveals that transport minister Richard Holden will consider GDL with road safety campaigners at a meeting on 16 May.

The scheme according to the report could Drivers) Act. The Act imposes a probation period on new drivers who get their licence revoked if they get six penalty points within two years of passing.

Under the plan, drivers would not be allowed to carry passengers under 25 after passing their test. This is part measure to checkmate deaths or serious injury on our roads and to improve road safety for all users. The broad approach to improving safety for new and novice drivers is through new technology and improving education, while reinforcing vital road safety messages through our THINK! Campaign.”

In most clime, Graduated license is in place to reduce the number of collisions, death sand injuries among learner and novice drivers, particularly among the high risk 17 to 24 year olds, during the learning to drive period and period immediately after they pass their test. Research tells us that novice drivers are most likely to years after passing their test due to their

Matthias Hossann, PEUGEOT Design Director, Phil York, PEUGEOT Marketing and Communication Director and Gustavo Menezes, PEUGEOT TotalEnergies Team Driver were all in attendance for the reveal of the new livery.

The PEUGEOT 9X8 Hypercar will be on public display until April 23.

When imagining the new livery of the 9X8, J. Demsky was doing more than just decorating a car: he is sending out a powerful message, in the great tradition of the Art Cars that have marked the automotive history, by applying it to a sports car that expresses the very best of PEUGEOT in is an eclectic Spanish artist and has also created a graphic design for the drivers’ suits and helmets.

inexperience.

Therefore, these measures are designed to protect our most vulnerable road-users so that they can become safe, competent we have fewer collisions, fatalities and injuries on our roads.

Let me throw light on the Graduated drivers licence introduced by the Federal Road Safety Corps in 2007 as part of measures to restore the integrity of the driver licence. Before this novelty, the Section 22, sub 3-7 and section 23, 24, 25 and 26 provided for an applicant for the driver’s licence to meet the following conditions.

Be 18 years and above, be physically pay the prescribed fee. After these, such an applicant will then qualify for a drivers licence valid for three years. However, in the face of the spate of road crashes in the country and the need to conceptualise new ideas in keeping within global best practice, the Corps through the driving school standardisation programme made it mandatory for fresh applicants to attend

Then three stage Graduated driver’s improvement from what had existed before part is the pre adult (18-25) years category. Those within this group after complying with the relevant tests and other procedures as stated in the quoted sections, if found suitable, are issued with a drivers licence that is renewal after every year. Class B licence.

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

New graphic design of the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar

The first innovative 150 kW Elli Flexpole charging station

Governor-Elect, Mbah, Inaugurates Transition Committee

The quality and terms of reference of the transition committee recently inaugurated by the Governorelect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, is a paradigm shift that might well have kick started the disruptive innovations promised by the entrepreneur,

While it is usual to populate transition committees in Enugu State with politicians and civil servants, thestate’sGovernor-elect, Dr. Peter Mbah, broke off with traditions when he released a list of 64-man transition committee with the private sector giants, technocrats, and professionals predominating by over 80 per cent. Drawn from across regional, religious, political, and professional backgrounds, the committee is chaired by a celebrated investment banker, and GroupManagingDirectorofAfrinvest(WestAfrica) Ltd, Ike Chioke. A first class graduate of engineering, Chioke is the President of the Association of IssuingHousesofNigeria,ChiefExecutiveOfficer of Triple-A Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd, Chairman of Royal Exchange General Insurance Company, andhasmorethan30yearsexperienceinbanking, project and structured finance, debt and equity capital markets, media, telecommunications, financial services, and industrial reform.

Also on the committee is Dr. Joe Abah, Country Director,DevelopmentAlternativesInitiatives(DAI), and a former Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms in Nigeria. He comes with over 10 years experience in managing governance programs in Nigeria for the U.K. Department for International Development, including on the DAI-led State Partnership for Accountability and Capability project.

Others include the Managing Director of the United Kingdom-Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UK-NIAF), Prof. Chidi Onyia; a former Minister of Power and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; a former Chief Executive Officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers,NigeriaandWestAfrica,and currentChairmanofExecutionEdge,KenIgbokwe; aformerInspector-GeneralofPolice,Mr.Ogbonna Onovo; a former Executive Director at First Bank and Founder, Krystle Group, Mrs. Christy Okoye.

OthersincludetheDirector,IndustrialandTrade Development at the African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Abdu Mukhtar; the Director, Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institutions, Dr. Aloysius Ardu; a renowned transporter and university proprietor, Chief Dr. Sam Onyishi; PresidentoftheInstituteofSoftwarePractitioners of Nigeria, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; a former Commissioner,NigeriaElectricityRegulatoryCommission(NERC)andCo-Founder,Excredite,Mr.Eyo Ekpo; former CEO at Neconde Gas, Engr. Frank Edozie;theGroupCEO,PanAfricanCapitalHoldings Ltd, Chris Oshiafi, and foreign direct investment promoter, Mr. Andrew Thorburn.

EquallyonthetransitionCommitteearetheVice ChancellorofGodfreyOkoyeUniversity,Prof.ChristianAnieke;Mrs.IjeomaEmezie-EzigboofKPMG, theworld’sleadingauditfirm;Prof.ObiamakaEgbo of the USAID; Chief Chinedu Anih, founder of Coal City University; Mr. Chuka Mordi of Ellah Lakes; Dr. Nnenna Mba-Oduwusi of InSiGHT Health; Dr. DorothyJeff-NnamaniofNovaHealth;Mrs.Nneka Okekearu of Pan African University; Mr. Joseph Aneke of Transnetwork.

Tocapitup,Nextier,amulti-competencyadvisory firm headed by the Founding Partner, Patrick Okigbo III, was hired to provide technical support and policy advisory to the Transition Committee.

A well cut ought job

For those, who do not understand the enormity of work and responsibility entrusted on the Committee, a 64-man team might appear unwieldy. But those who have followed Mbah’s trajectory in the private sector know he is one, who believes in a slim team. Thus, the 64-man team is better appreciated after members were split into their various fields of expertise and Mbah’s vision and focal areas.

Inaugurating the Committee, Mbah said: “In constitutingthiscommittee,weputatooth-comb into searching for the best in virtually all fields of development. Here gathered are the products of

that scrutiny. It is an assemblage of technocrats, private sector giants and men and women, who areexpertsindifferentfieldsofendeavours.They are successful professionals who will offer value and who are committed to the same ideals and values we share.

“We sought you out to assist in weaving the tapestry of how we will journey through the next four years. The task before us is humongous, but not insurmountable. Ndi Enugu chose us, believing that we were the only ones qualified to take them through this consequential journey. We also selectedyoubecauseyoupossessthewherewithal to help transform the journey into an empirically verifiableroadmapofabundanceanddevelopment.

“Our vision for Enugu State is a luscious land flowing with milk and honey. In this vision, we do not see the entanglements of today. Transiting into that land of purpose, of economic and social Eldorado is a big plan that we are convinced is possible and do-able.

“We have conceived of a growth plan of very ambitious economic and social indicators that are not only measurable but ambitious. Ndi Enugu want us to hit the ground running from the day of our swearing-in. That is why we want you to put that vision in actionable and cognisable form by helping to formulate them, both as policies and action plans.

“Your Job Description will also involve a review of the activities of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Enugu State towards deploying them as catalysts for development. You are also expected to help us hunt for the required talents that will serve as enablers of our visions of development. In the same vein, we expect this august committee to help situate and appreciate the various risks and threats that may pose as hurdles on the way of our vision”.

“We have conceived a growth plan that is ambi-

tious both in the economic and social indicators. Therefore, we talked about growing the economy from the current level of $4.4 billion to $30 billion. Wetalkedaboutmakingsurethatweachieveazero per cent rate in our poverty headcount index. We talked about making Enugu State the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.

“We talked about unpacking the skills of the youths in digital technology so that the administration is able to equip a minimum of 40,000 youths in digital technology and a minimum of 10,000 youths in practical skills yearly.

“Wealsoknowthatthegrowthlevelwearetalking about cannot come from the public sector alone. This growth will happen through constructive investment; and that will come largely from the private sector.

“Butwealsobelievethatwiththevisionanddream we have expressed, with the work you are going to do in this Committee, they are achievable despite being ambitious because they are measurable.

“But we are going to provide the key enablers to attract businesses because businesses are not Father Christmas. They are interested in returns on investment.

“So, we believe that you can craft a document that can give us that implementable action plan”, Mbah concluded.

With imagination, a new Enugu is possible

On his part, the renowned political economics and management expert, Prof. Pat Utomi, whose participationasthekeynotespeakerunderscored Mbah’swideacceptanceandrespectacrosspolitical divides and among progressives, emphasised that the major difference between leaders of the First Republic and their successors was the power of imagination and commitment to human development.

Utomi, while commending Mbah for the quality ofpeopleontheTransitionCommittee,challenged themtolookatthesuccessstoryofSingaporefrom ThirdWorldtoFirstWorldinageneration,insisting that “with passion, imagination, and commitment bythegovernment,anewEnuguStateispossible”.

Utomi, who spoke vide a video link, extolled Mbah’scapacitytodreamdreams,espousevision, and think outside the box like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dr,MichaelOkpara,formerpremiersofthedefunct Eastern Region.

He, however, regretted described government as the biggest obstacle to ease of doing business in Nigeria owing to undue regulations, policy summersaults, multiple taxation, among others, and emphasised that any national or state government that wants to succeed must ensure a strict observance of the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and building trust in the system.

In his speech, Chairman of the Transition Committee, Ike Chioke, while commending Dr. Mbah’s ambitious manifesto, said the Committee felt greatly honoured to be called upon to help to distil andtranslatethegovernor-elect’sambitiousvision to implementable plans.

Hestated:“Ilookedthroughthe62pagesofyour manifesto,whichIconsidertobeanaudaciousplan. Ihavebeenprivilegedtoknowyouforover15years and with what you have done at Pinnacle Oil and Gasandtheeffectyoumadebytakingthenumber one position in the downstream oil and gas sector, I believe that you’re able and capable for this task.

“I believe we have a task by transforming your manifesto into tangible, actionable and measurable indicators and policies that will enable you to achieve those audacious plans”.

Meanwhile, the Co-Chairman of the Transition CommitteeandSecretarytotheStateGovernment, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, evoked the memories of defunctEasternNigeria’sheroespast,assuringof thecommitmentoftheGovernorIfeanyiUgwuanyi administration to a seamless transition.

“On this ground many years ago, our forebears, NnamdiAzikiwe,MichaelOkpara,AkanuIbiamand the rest of them sat. They dreamt dreams about Igbo land. Today, you have been called upon again to dream dreams about our people.

“Asagovernment,Iwanttoassurethetransition teamofthegovernment’ssupport.Wewillassist;we will provide every information; and we will provide everyassistanceandourdoorsarewideopen.Itwill be a seamless transition. After all, we are partners in this business of bringing greater development to Enugu State”, he stated.

Analysts believe that if morning foretells the day, it is safe to say that Mbah’s onerous task of buildinganewEnugu,albeitinawaythatdrivesthe message home that Enugu is in for government business the unseal way.

We have conceived a growth plan that is ambitious both in the economic and social indicators. Therefore, we talked about growing the economy from the current level of $4.4 billion to $30 billion. We talked about making sure that we achieve a zero per cent rate in our poverty headcount index. We talked about making Enugu State the preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living

Members of the Enugu State Transition Committee after Inauguration

writes Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

Women, Girls at Risk Without Domestication of Maputo Protocol

The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, also known as the Maputo Protocol is one of the world’s most comprehensive and progressive women’s human rights instruments and has one of the highest number of ratifications for an instrument in the African Union.The protocol was adopted in Mozambique on 11th July 2003 with the aim of promoting and protecting the rights of women in Africa. Nigeria is one of the signatories to the Protocol but has failed to domesticate and fully implement its provisions, which has continued to pose devastating consequences on the human rights of women and girls in the country. Despite signing and ratifying the protocol in 2004, Nigeria’s failure to domesticate the Protocol has contributed to the deprivation of women and girls’ access to justice when their human rights are violated. The implications of not domesticating the protocol is far-reaching in a country like Nigeria where patriarchy and all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls is structurally entrenched in its socio-political and cultural systems. It manifests in ways that negatively impact the progress that women and girls make in their everyday life, including Maternal Mortality

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world, with an estimated 111 women dying every day due to preventable pregnancy-related causes. They are denied the right to take charge of their Sexual and Reproductive Health which negates Article 14 of the Maputo protocol. Womenandgirlscontinuetoexperiencegenderbased violence, including sexual harassment and assault, domestic violence, incest, rape, female genital mutilation etc. In parts of the country, forced and early marriage resulting in physical, mental or sexual assault is a norm. The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2013) noted that 1 in 3 Nigerian women

has experienced physical violence by age 15 and data from the National Population Commission Report (6 Dec 2022) shows that gender based violence as experienced by the Nigerian women from their spouses is 19% for demonstrative or emotional violence, 14% for physical violence, and 5% for sexual abuse.

The Nigerian government’s failure to domesticate and fully implement the Maputo Protocol has had a negative impact on women’s economic life. Nigerian women continue to face discrimination in the workplace including gender inequality, discrimination, unequal pay and limited access to credit and financial resources. TheWorldGender GapReport (2022) stated that Nigeria has a gender gap of 63.9% and has stayed between 60-63% in the last decade on all the sub-indexes, from political participation to economic participation.

As evidenced in Nigeria’s recently concluded 2023 general elections, women are systematically and structurally excluded from decision making positions at political party level and elective positions. From 1999 till date, only 157 women have been elected into the 469-member National Assembly (38 senators and 119 members of the House of Representatives), compared to 2657 men (616 senators, 2041 House of representative members) during the same period. Of the 92 women who contested for the Senate in the February elections, only three won, while out of the 286 who contested for seats in the House of Representatives, only 15 have been declared winners.Over the years, the extreme nature of violence in politics, with intentional intimidation and attacks on the female gender has cowed many women off politics. A sexist and patronage-based political culture, combined with gendered economic and household inequalities, are seen to be the main barriers to women’s participation in governance. In the governorship election in 2019, of the 36 States in Nigeria including the FCT, no woman was elected as a governor. Should Nigeria have domesticated the Maputo Protocol women would have had a legal pathway to challenge any discrimination from political participation as Article 9 of the Maputo Protocol addresses

such challenge.

Nigeria has seen the worst levels of insecurity since the Nigerian civil war in the last decade. Citizens, have been relentlessly attacked by Fulani armed men, Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, and herdsmen in many towns and villages with women and children being the most affected, many have lost their lives, livelihood and become displaced from their homes and communities.The security challenge in the country has rendered many women widows and lots of children have become orphans. Girls kidnapped during insurgencies have been subjected to all kinds of violence including rape and forced marriage by their captors. An example is the case of Leah Sharibu who already had two children (BBC News, 2021). Nigeria ranked third in the world with a death toll of 25,711 from 2010 to 2019, not including women and girls raped and captured by Boko Haram insurgents in the country since 2020. Majority of Nigerians live in perpetual fear and anxiety of attacks from criminal elements in the country.

The Maputo Protocol is a crucial legal instrument in the fight for gender equality and the protection of the rights of women and girls. The Nigerian government need to urgently take a decisive action towards domesticating the Protocol because of its wide-range and substantive provisions that advance the rights of women and girls. The Protocol covers a spectrum of civil and political, economic, social and cultural as well as environmental rights. For instance, Article 4 of the Protocol emphasises the right to life, integrity and security of women.

It states that every woman shall be entitled to respect for her life and the integrity and security of her person. All forms of exploitation, cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment and treatment shall be prohibited. While most women are left out of politics and decisionmaking spaces in the country, Article 9 of the Protocol provides a legal framework for women to claim their right to participate in the political and decision making process. Stating that parties shall take specific positive action to promote participative governance and the

equal participation of women in the political life of their countries through affirmative action, enabling national legislation to ensure that women participate without any discrimination in all elections, represented equally at all levels with men in all electoral processes amongst others.

Unfortunately, the realities on ground are contradictory. With limited access to SRHR information and services leading to negative health outcomes for women and adolescents.

Article 14 of the Protocol provides women the right to control their fertility, the right to self protection against sexually transmitted diseases etc. It recognises the right of women to control their reproductive health and to make decisions concerning their reproduction without coercion, discrimination, or violence. It emphasises the obligation of state parties to prevent, condemn, and combat all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, rape etc. It also calls for the elimination of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and other forms of violence against women’s reproductive health.

The Maputo Protocol is a holistic framework for upholding the rights of women and girls in Africa. Nigeria ratified the Protocol 19 years ago but has failed to domesticate it. This has to change for any meaningful progress to be made towards gender equality in the country.

The government must consider all opportunities available to advance the rights of women and girls, including but not limited to the following: While we call for an outright domestication of the Maputo Protocol in Nigeria, we recognise that Nigeria has several laws that advances women’s human rights and cooperates with aspects of the Maputo Protocol such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015) and the National Gender Policy (2006) investing in the implementation of these laws at all levels will contribute to advancing the rights of women and girls as provided by the Maputo protocol.

Agua is Director of Communication/Policy, Alliances for Africa and wrote from Abuja. Read full perspective online - www.thisdaylive.com

Sounds of ALAT Competition: Wema Bank Announces Top 3 Contestants

Wema Bank has announced the top 3 contestants in its highly anticipated Sounds of ALAT competition. The competition,launchedafew months ago, aimed to discover and support budding upcoming musicians across Nigeria, and give them a platform to showcase their talent to the world. After a rigorous selection process, the top three contestants; - Onyealisigwe Bright, Fashoro Taiye, andKareemTomiwa-wereunanimouslyannounced bythecelebrityjudge-;CobhamsAsuquo,Omawumi, DJSose,andAlphaOjiniata4-daybootcamphosted at the bank’s Purple Academy.

These talented top three individuals will now proceed to the final stage of the competition, where they will battle it out for the grand prize of N3 million for the Winner, N2 million for 1st runner up, and N1 million for the 2nd runner up. Speaking on the announcement of the top contestants, Mabel Adeteye, Head of Brand & Marketing Communication at Wema Bank, said, “We are proud of the caliber of talent we have seen in the Sounds of ALAT competition. The level of skill and creativity displayed by the contestants is a

testamenttotheincrediblemusictalentthatexists in Nigeria. Wema Bank is committed to supporting the growth and development of individuals and businesses across Nigeria, and Sounds of ALAT is

just one of the many ways in which we are doing so.”

The final stage of the competition will take place on Saturday, 6th May 2023, and fans of the contestants and music lovers across Nigeria are

encouraged to follow Wema Bank and ALAT social media handles to watch the final competition live. Sounds of ALAT received an overwhelming response, with over 500 entries from various parts of Nigeria. From this pool of entries, 10 participants were shortlisted for the next round, namely John Daramola, Demebide Moni Annie, Fashoro Taiye, Okafor Jane, Kareem Tomiwa, Emesim Chigozie, Olasunkanmi Alabi, Onyealisigwe Bright, Ale Felix, and Oluwatimilehin Fortune, who all put in their best.

The shortlisted candidates had a 4-day boot camp that took place at the Wema Bank Purple Academy. The boot camp provided an immersive experience for the participants to learn from music industry experts and develop their skills. The celebrity judges, including Omawumi, DJ Sose, Cobhams Asuquo, and Alpha Ojini, provided constructivefeedbacktothetop10participantsduring the masterclass and the studio recording sessions. WemaBankiscommittedtofosteringthegrowth of the Nigerian music industry and supporting talentedindividuals.SoundsofALATisatestamentto the bank’s unwavering commitment to promoting creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Creditswitch Marks 10 Years of Driving Quality VAS Experience

Creditswitch, a leading value-added service provider in the IT sector, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, reflecting on a decade of exceptional service delivery. The company has been instrumental in driving digital transformation in Nigeria, enabling business growth through diversified value-added service offerings and fostering financial inclusion while narrowing the digital gap.

As part of its 10th-anniversary celebration, Creditswitch hosted a dinner event at the Harbour

Point event centre last week.

Theeventwasthemed“Celebratingadecadeofexcellence on demand,” and it was graced by partners, staff, celebrities and guests who enjoyed a festive dinner. The event featured a mini-documentary that highlighted the experiences and stories of Creditswitch’s employees and partners.

It also featured a performance from 9ICE, the renowned Gangan Aso singer, who entertained the audience with his hit songs. Other celebrities who graced the occasion included Derenle, Kim Oprah, Boma and Acapela, among others.

Creditswitch’s Founder and CEO, Tayo Adigun,

thanked the hardworking employees, loyal customers, strategic partners, and communities for their support and trust. He stressed the importance of delivering reliable, secure, and customer-focused solutions.

Creditswitch takes pride in its heritage as a truly Nigerian company renowned for innovation, customer-centricity, and resilience.

Creditswitch’s vision is to become the leading provider of value-added services in Africa and beyond.Thecompanyplanstoexpanditsoperations to other countries in the region and offer more innovative solutions to its customers.

Enitan Kuton, the Head of Marketing and Communications at Creditswitch, emphasized that Creditswitch’s dedicated and versatile team is the core of the organization, fully devoted to achieving greatness. Kuton noted that with an unyielding dedication to becoming the Number 1 in any industry they choose to play in, the company remains adaptable in response to the ever-changing nature of the industry. “Our goal for the next decade is to bolster the brand by broadening its service offeriNGS and Creditswitch are eager to press forward on this path to achieve excellence,” she said.

L-R: Sounds of ALAT Judges, Alpha Ojini and Cobhams Asuquo; Head, Brand and Marketing Communications, Wema Bank, Mabel Adeteye; MD/CEO, Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni; Sounds of ALAT Judge, Omawuni Megbele; Executive Director, Retail and Digital Business Directorate, Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku and Sounds of ALAT, Judge DJ Sose at the unveiling of the Top three participants of the Sounds of ALAT competition, held at Wema Bank Purple Academy, Ilupeju…recently.

Rejoice Wobilor-Agua

Kukah on Power for Women

JAPHETH J. OMOJUWA

GUEST COLUMNIST

Mike Adenuga Jnr: Refreshing Lessons for Generations

This is neither a tribute to nor a piece in praise of Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. Presidents have defied protocol to offer praises, even across the ocean. Kings have broken tradition in offering tributes and titles, captains of industry have queued behind themselves sharing memorable and inspiring accolades to a timeless icon who did his best to moderate the celebrations. Even if one defied these and decided to try against reason, King Sunny Ade’s Fayeyemi tribute is matchless and inimitable, and I could never reach Chief Ebenezer Obey’s depth and artistry in celebration of the man. Thus, there is nothing left to be said in form of praise or tributes that could surpass those already offered by these great men and women.

I have not come to praise the man; I have only come to address the spectators who were held spellbound by the spectacle and were left wondering what could be so great about a man whom most of them have never seen and only ever get to hear of. Often, when one gets sucked into the attraction of the show, the lessons get lost.

This once, we cannot afford to miss the lessons. The stories that contributed to the making of the man provide vital context for his greatness and offer a rich source of learning and inspiration for generations to come. When these stories are left untold, myths and falsehoods can fill the vacuum, perpetuating disempowering beliefs that hinder progress and growth. For instance, some may believe that wealth can only be acquired through unscrupulous means or cronyism.

When President Emmanuel Macron of France wrote in his tribute, ‘you are humble enough to often publicly declare that the confidence of several French companies at the beginning of your entrepreneurial adventure was instrumental in building the success that is yours today’, among other French alliances, he was making reference to the man who explored for more capital through the banks. A much harder way than through the disempowering stories that people tell to explain wealth they do not understand and in the same breath excuse their own misfortune.

The moniker, ‘The Bull,’ is not merely a name with a golden insignia; it reflects some of Adenuga’s most essential characteristics. The Bull is traditionally seen as a symbol of wealth and subterranean powers. It does not just make an entry; it makes an unforgettable one. It does not recognize defeat; any appearance of defeat is a retreat that often proves costly for those who stand in its path. These traits find expression in the success story of Globacom, which is a testament to Adenuga’s tenacity and determination.

Many exited at the point the government cancelled their mobile telecom licenses. Instead, The Bull charged on, refusing the small battle of a legal pursuit and instead focused on the big prize at the

end of what was going to be a protracted bidding war for GSM licenses. Adenuga had to call on his grit again when the prize he won came without the trophy. The government had its cake and ate it. The Bull’s bouncebackability came into play again because well over a year later, he got the license that was fairly won in an open bidding process. When the stories get told, you cannot have a single blot on his shield. The Bull played by the rules, even when the rules were shifted against him, his staying power meant his team returned with victory. A hard-fought one

but The Bull stayed invincible.

Other companies would have been happy to just start and do a continuous chase of those who had gone ahead of them; Mike Adenuga’s Globacom defied the norm by starting out with a paradigm shift that remains unmatched in Nigeria. Instead of chasing the competition and playing by their rules, by crashing the price of SIM cards and starting out with per second billing - others said this was not possible at the time - the competition had to bend to his game. The horses that started the race earlier were now doing the chase.

Adenuga’s Globacom dragged the industry on the path of perfect competition with his early moves, he then differentiated immediately by offering services the first and second movers had not even thought of. They were left competing with him at one end in a game whose rules he had redefined by his paradigm shifting bullish entry. He left himself alone without competition at other ends, advancing and flexing with technology above what was on offer. Translated to Yoruba, o ti ilekun mo won, o fi kokoro pa mo.

One reference the tributes intersect is his humility. Humility is an interesting phenomenon. You cannot be poor and be said to be humble. Poverty and humility appear to be parallel lines, yet they find intersection because poverty is already a humble position. Albeit a position that appears to be without the choice of the bearer. When it is said that a person is humble, one must pay attention. When you are so rich with means and power but appear to be unconscious of that elevated state of being especially in your dealings with people, that is humility. Some go out of their way to be seen to be humble. That defeats the purpose. Feigned humility is not humility. The Adenuga tributes refer to the sort of humility that the man himself would only come to see in the description of the

people who experienced it. The humility of a man who just is.

Attention seeking appears to be humanity’s contemporary collective de rigueur. That could be explained by the ubiquity of the Internet and its appurtenances. Contemporary culture has now birthed a world where billionaires want to evolve into bloggers even as blogger aspire to be billionaires. We have built a universe and culture where staying relevant has become a daily endeavour, yet in all of that world, we all aspire to Mike Adenuga. The one who would rather not be seen, the one who finds comfort and apparent fulfilment in not being heard. Yet the one who has impacted people and institutions so much he brings life to another moniker of his, The Spirit of Africa. A reference that captures the essence of his values and the fact that one needs not be seen to make change happen; one needs not speak to be heard. And to make great impact, intentions and action are greater than fugazi moves, vain aesthetics and puerile drama.

The rich, in observing the tradition of noblesse oblige, have often committed to philanthropy. The Mike Adenuga principle goes above that sense of obligation because giving is entrenched in his persona. In a world where many keep records of those that they helped that never returned to say ‘thank you’, the millions opportune to be blessed by The Spirit of Africa do not get a chance to. Because his generosity leaves no room to collect appreciations. The giving and the changed lives are the essence of it all.

Conversely, you won’t find a person with a higher sense of appreciation, even for the little things.

Writing about personalities can be enjoyable, but there are times when addressing important issues should take precedence. This piece is not solely about an individual’s personality, but rather the enduring values necessary to navigate a constantly changing world. While exploring Dr. Mike Adenuga’s achievements could fill volumes, the focus here is on some of the values that propelled him to success and how we can apply them to our own daily challenges. As we confront new and complex problems, the lessons we learn from those who have gone before us can be invaluable. Dr. Adenuga’s life offers a powerful example of how these values can lead to great rewards, and this is a message that deserves to be heard by this generation and beyond.

He exemplifies E pluribus unum, and of him, there are lessons to be learned for generations to come. This is the legacy one must have a sense of appreciation for. Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. GCON, CSG, CdrLH at 70 has left lessons for us in these Platinum number of years, and we cannot afford to lose sight of these precious gems.

•Japheth J. Omojuwa, author of Digital: The New Code of Wealth and founder of Alpha Reach

“I am fully in support of women getting 30 per cent of power but it cannot be the same women whose husbands are already in power. These politicians should not bring their wives, mistresses and daughters to become ministers and senators” –The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah punching holes in the application of 30 per cent power for women.

The rich, in observing the tradition of noblesse oblige, have often committed to philanthropy. The Mike Adenuga principle goes above that sense of obligation because giving is entrenched in his persona. In a world where many keep records of those that they helped that never returned to say ‘thank you’, the millions opportune to be blessed by The Spirit of Africa do not get a chance to. Because his generosity leaves no room to collect appreciations. The giving and the changed lives are the essence of it all